West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional example of this original southern California family owned 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380SLC 2 door hardtop coupe with a factory sunroof and heated rear window in absolutely beautiful condition throughout and boasting only 101K original miles, this model was by far most expensive model of the entire Mercedes line up of 1981, including all of the legendary Mercedes SL series, and which sold for an original MSRP of $47,853 ($127,254 CPI for 2016!) compared to $40,127 for the same year 380SL roadster!
Mercedes Benz released two iconic models in the early seventies, the 450SL two seater roadster and the 450SLC two door coupe and these cars were the ultimate status symbol of their day, symbolic for their era of exclusivity and immediately identifiable by their uniquely original styling. They were to create a cult following which has continued to this day. They were sold as the R107 SL roadster and the C107 SLC coupe with the coupe model wheelbase lengthened by 14" to make room for the rear seat passengers in a fixed pillarless superstructure above the 2+2 cabin, whilst still incorporating its sports car dynamics. The 450SLC was built in very limited numbers in comparison with the roadster and was one of the most expensive and exclusive coupes ever made and which involved into the even more expensive and exclusive one year only and final year of production for the SLC model - the 1981 380SLC with only 3,789 built (compared to over 31,739 450SLC's; 66,298 450SL's & 49,347 560SL's!!). These rare Long Wheel Base coupes offered the sensations of a true sports car but with the refinements of a four seater grand touring coupe!
The SLC was introduced in 1972 as a coupe variant of the R107 chassis and built to be competitive in the long-distance rallies popular in Europe. Legally, 500 had to be built to homologate the SLC for competition. Compared with the SL, the wheelbase grew to 110.8 inches from 96.9 inches; overall length was 196.4 inches against 182.3 inches; weight was 3,817 pounds compared with 3,487 pounds. The turning circle of the SLC was 36.7 feet, that of an SL 33.5 feet. The coupes steel hardtop of was not removable.
The SLC had rear seats that could hold two medium-sized adults all 13.9 inches of added wheelbase was behind the doors. Larger rear quarter-windows had vertical louvers angled for driver visibility. American market cars had air-conditioning, power windows and door locks, leather interior, and a 3-speed automatic transmission as standard. A power-operated sunroof and heated rear window were optional.
The rare one year only (1981) example is to be sold with all its original handbooks and owners manuals and service records showing that at no time was any expense spared on this particular car's preventive maintenance and it is quite obvious that this spectacular example was always garaged with no accidents or rust and never smoked in! All options are working as they should including the air conditioning which please note has also been retrofitted from the original R12 to R134A.
The original and very striking and rare factory 'Anthracite Gray Metallic' color paint is in very fine condition and the matching 'Light Gray' leather interior is also in gorgeous shape with virtually no signs of wear! The car has its original chrome and legendary Mercedes 'Bundt' wheels which are also in exceptional condition.
The car's factory options include: automatic transmission, power assisted steering, power brakes, tinted glass, cruise control, electric window lifts, electrically heated rear window on hard top, fully independent suspension, power assisted four wheel disc brakes, limited slip differential, automatic antenna, Halogen head and fog lamps, working automatic air conditioning with climate control and central locking.
The car drives exactly like such a well maintained and serviced Mercedes should and must be seen and driven to be truly appreciated. The engine is extremely strong with no oil leaks, the transmission shifts smoothly through the gears and the temperature always remains cool. All the options are working as they should. The car has a recent California smog certificate.
Without doubt, this is one of the finest classically beautiful designs built by Mercedes-Benz, probably the last classically beautiful series they built which are now at long last becoming more desirable and collectible than ever before - certainly you will look long and hard to find a finer head-turning example of this most desirable last year and one year only model with only 101K miles available anywhere else!
