Description
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
12th Feb, 2025 9:00
1980 Mercedes-Benz '560' SLC
Unique 'Lion in Wolf's Clothing'
Estimate
£25, 000 - £30, 000
Registration No: UEX 318W
Chassis No: WDBthe details below
MOT: Exempt
Professionally uprated by former main dealer turned marque specialist Damas (Chesterfield) Ltd for the proprietor's own use
5547cc '560' 126-series engine installed to create a unique 'sleeper'
Treated to a 'bare metal' bodywork restoration in 2013 including thousands of pounds worth of new trim pieces
Engine number and displacement updated by the DVLA on the car's V5C Registration Document
Dyno tested at 320bhp with a notably flat torque curve
A car that AMG should have built!
Beginning life as a UK-supplied 380 SLC, ‘UEX 318W’ was acquired by the proprietor of Damas (Chesterfield) Ltd – a former Mercedes-Benz dealer turned marque specialist – during July 1987. Deciding to create something of a ‘lion in wolf’s clothing’, he subsequently sourced a low mileage M117. 968 V8 (as fitted to the Stuttgart firm’s flagship 126-series 560 SEC and SEL models) to supplant the four-seater’s original 3. 8 litre unit. Installed without altering the inner wings etc, the bigger powerplant nestles snugly within the engine bay and looks pleasingly ‘stock’. In keeping with its intended ‘sleeper’ vibe, the only external clues to the Fixed Head Coupe’s significant extra performance are flat-faced alloys and a bespoke ‘560 SLC’ badge affixed to the boot lid. Having persuaded the owner of Damas (Chesterfield) Ltd to part with 'UEX 318W' in October 2012, the seller entrusted it to Finesse Auto Bodies the following August for a ‘bare metal’ respray at a cost of £13, 500 (which excludes the four figure sum spent on new trim pieces). Driven less than 1, 200 miles since visiting marque specialist Nick Webster for attention to its steering, propshaft and viscous coupling etc, ‘UEX 318W’ is understood to have recorded ‘320bhp and a notably flat torque curve’ during a rolling road session. Finished in the stealthy combination of Black with Black leather upholstery, the Mercedes-Benz boasts such niceties as air-conditioning and electric windows. Starting readily and running well during our recent photography session, the car felt notably potent even during low-speed manoeuvres. Only coming to market because the vendor wishes to rationalise his collection, this unique ‘560 SLC’ is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document (correctly updated vis-à-vis the car’s current cubic capacity and engine number), owner’s manual and sundry bills. A fabulous concept and one which would doubtless be worth telephone numbers if it had been converted by AMG!
