Description:

For Sale: 1973 Mercedes Benz 450SLC Euro Model, One Owner

$20,000 in Colorado Springs

This is a ONE-OWNER 1973 Mercedes Benz 450SLC with 95k miles that has been thoughtfully maintained and upgraded. The engine has been very thoroughly and expertly built, balanced and blueprinted, using the best OEM Mercedes parts, many of them the highest spec European versions available. Higher compression pistons, higher lift factory camshafts, etc. Additionally, the intake and exhaust manifolds have been extrude honed and thermally coated for more flow and lower intake and underhood temperatures. The factory throttle body was custom bored to a larger butterfly size, an electronic MSD ignition was fitted and the distributor given a custom advance curve to match the engine. The fuel injection was dialed in to the engine's requirements. This all results in acceleration times that were improved OVER 20%. Add to that the fact that the European version is lighter, this car accelerates, handles and brakes better than a brand new USA model, IF you could find one.

The interior is in excellent shape, with no tears or excessive wear on the carpet or upholstery. Everything works – all the gauges (a discrete voltmeter was added for more information), the courtesy lights, sunroof and blowers, etc. etc. The owner has been a pilot for many, many years, and is particular about the condition of his vehicles, as most pilots are.

The steering, brakes and suspension are all excellent – ready to be driven anywhere. The wheels are replicas of AMG Penta wheels in 16x8 with brand new tires. It steers and handles much better than new (which had 14x6 wheels and soft, tall tires). It is still very comfortable and easy to eat up interstate miles.

The exterior is 100% rust free, an the silver paint presents well. There are a few chips and scratches, and yes, there are those flames which are not to everyone's preference, but they can almost be ignored with the condition of everything else. The original European H4 E-code headlights are much more attractive and offer much improved lighting over USA versions. The same goes for the smaller, tidier bumpers.
There are pages and pages of invoices with many, many thousands of dollars, covering the engine build and lots of other maintenance and upgrades included. You will be very, very hard pressed to find another 450SLC in as good shape mechanically, or cosmetically at any price, and if you do, the price would likely be much, much higher. This car needs only to be driven and enjoyed.