Description
ABOUT THIS CAR
Although best-known for its success in circuit racing, Mercedes-Benz also has an illustrious rallying history. In 1962, Eugen Böhringer won the Acropolis Rally, Rally Poland and the Liège-Sofia-Liège on his way to claiming the European Rally Championship for the German marque, and in the 1970s that success continued with the latest 450 SLC.
Built between 1971 and 1989, and aimed squarely at the North American market, the luxuriously equipped R107/ C107 Mercedes-Benz SL must have seemed like an unlikely choice of rally weapon. The coupé was chosen for competition use because it was not only more rigid than its roadster sibling, it featured a longer wheelbase that gave it more secure handling.
Mercedes then embarked on a programme of weight loss and set about turning its boulevard cruiser into a highly effective long-distance endurance rally car. In 1978, factory-entered 450 SLCs finished first and second on the 30, 000km Vuelta a la América del Sud, which ran through 10 countries in South America. The car of Andrew Cowan and Colin Malkin beat that of Sobieslaw Zasada and Andrzej Zembrzuski, while a third car driven by Finnish ace Timo Mäkinen and Jean Todt finished fourth.
The following year, Mercedes invested heavily in an assault on the Ivory Coast Rally and was rewarded with a dominant one-two-three-four result, the crew of Hannu Mikkola/ Arne Hertz leading home Björn Waldegaard/ Hans Thorszelius, Andrew Cowan/ Rolf Kaiser and Vic Preston Jr/ Mike Doughty.
By that time, Mercedes had fitted the works cars with a new 5-litre, all-aluminium version of the M117 V8 engine in place of the standard 450 SLC’s 4520cc unit. In 1980, they were badged as 500 SLCs and took a one-two on the Ivory Coast Rally, with Waldegaard winning on that occasion.
The 1976 450 SLC being offered for sale here is a car that we know well at RPS, having carried out some reconditioning work to the engine and differential when it was first shipped to the UK from Canada pre-Covid.
Having taken part in an event in standard specification on its entry to Europe, the Mercedes was then left in the UK, registered by ourselves and kept with us. Most recently the car was treated to more in-depth rally preparation. That process involved overhauling the suspension, fitting our own specification Recaro leather buckets seats – the originals have been kept and will be included in the sale – TRS harnesses, trip meters, and Cibie spotlights.
It then took part in Bespoke Rallies’ Sultans Trail returning to us after a trouble free run but has otherwise been used only sparingly whilst with us and is now offered for sale in superb condition. The 450 SLC is a robust and reliable car to begin with, but this is a particularly well-sorted example that’s perfect for historic endurance events on offer by Rally the Globe, Regularity or Bespoke Rallies.
The car is currently residing with Rally Preparation Services sister Company, RPS Storage Ltd and available for inspection.
All viewings and test drives welcomed through direct contact with Rally Preparation Services.
All email enquiries please contact us on using the button below or telephone +44(0)the details below
Images subject to copyright – Rally Preparation Services Ltd
Specifications
Date of manufacture: 1976
Comprehensive Service History dating back to 1976
Engine Refresh 2020
Differential Refresh 2020
Recent gearbox service
New PAS Pump
New Wheel Bearings
RPS Spec Recaro seats
TRS Harness’
Monit Trip Meter
Twin RaliClok Trip Meters
