In 1971, Mercedes-Benz introduced the successors to its W111 coupe and W113 sports models. Designated in-house as C107 and R107, respectively, these cars featured crisp modern styling by Paul Bracq and used the chassis components of the W114 sedans, with 2.7- and 3.0-liter six-cylinder engines and, later, 3.5-, 3.8-, 4.2-, 5.0-, and 5.6-liter engines for the American market, beginning in 1972. In addition to the classic roadster model, a coupe version was available, the SLC (identified by its “C” suffix). A sleek and sporting grand tourer, the SLC was distinguished by its fluted rear quarter “sail panels.” It was produced only through 1981, while the roadster model would continue in the offering through 1989; 62,888 were built, of which only 1,636 were the 450 SLC. It is this rarity that makes the 450 SLC among the most scarcely seen modern Mercedes-Benzes, and a model which is instantly recognizable to the connoisseur as more than just an “SL with a hardtop.”

The car offered here is an original Japan-delivery model, identified by its Mercedes-Benz data card, a copy of which is on file, as having been finished in Astral Silver over Black fabric interior, as indeed it still is today. Until recently, resident in the Netherlands, it remains in very good and attractive overall condition, with all of the distinctive European-specification features still intact, such as the desirable “Euro” headlights and small bumpers. The interior sports automatic climate control, cruise control, fully tinted windows all around, a front seat armrest, and a Becker stereo radio and cassette player, among other options. Importantly, the car is also equipped with a sunroof, which it has had since new.

The 450 SLC still makes a wonderful “daily use classic” and has the bonus of being a car that one will rarely see coming while behind the wheel. This example has all of the best “RoW” features, not available when new to North American buyers, and is certainly among the nicest to be found on the market today.