Description
This is lot number 163 in the Bonhams Goodwood Revival Auction on September 7th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
One of only seven works cars
Rallied in period by Hannu Mikkola
Restored by SLCRacing
Offered from a private collection in Germany
In 1977, Mercedes-Benz shook up the international rallying scene with the introduction of the 450 SLC, a model built to meet the homologation requirements for the 1978 World Rally Championship. Under the bonnet sat an all-aluminium 5. 0-litre V8 engine, while the body featured lightweight alloy bonnet and boot panels, engineered by the esteemed Dr Erich Waxenberger. The doors remained steel but were notably thinner than their production counterparts. Mercedes-Benz produced a limited run of only 19 cars specifically tailored for international rallying, with just seven designated as the 450 SLC 5. 0, each featuring a specifically made automatic transmission.
This particular car, chassis number '626', was completed on 2nd February 1979 and is one of the seven works rally cars built. '626' made its debut in April '79, serving as a practice car in the Safari Rally, where Hannu Mikkola finished 2nd in another works 450 SLC. Later that year, in the penultimate rally at the Cote d'Ivoire, the car again served as a practice car for a race that would be historical for Mercedes-Benz: a 1-2-3-4 finish, with 2nd place for Bjorn Waldegard, helping him clinch the 1979 drivers' title.
'626' raced only once, at the 1980 Rally Codasur in Argentina, where Hannu Mikkola and co-driver Arne Hertz finished a worthy 2nd after 18 long stages. This podium finish helped Mikkola secure 2nd place in the championship that same year. A picture of '626', signed by Mikkola, will be included in the sale.
On 27th March 1981, '626' was recorded as 'verschrottet' in the records; the vendor believes it was dismantled. After the closure of the rally programme, Dr Waxenberger sold all the (partly dismantled) cars and equipment to Mr Albert Pfuhl. According to sources, the transaction included six SLCs (including '626'), a quantity of spare parts, and 600 tyres.
In 2007, Slovakian company SLCRacing purchased the complete stock, including documents, parts and cars. According to a 2009 register from the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, SLCRacing owned two historical identities: this car ('107 026 12 000 626') and '107 026 12 000 837'. '626' has been completely restored by specialists SLCRacing and prepared as the original rally cars from the Mercedes-Benz rally programme in 1979 and 1980.
On 20th May 2008, the car was inspected by scrutineer Robert Lenner and received its FIA Historical Technical Passport. On 14th January 2016, the car was inspected by Cedric Douabin from Mercedes-Benz France, and a conformity document prepared. This historic Mercedes rally car is offered for sale from a private collection in Germany.
Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.
Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.
