1979 model 450SLC - Reg XOW424V

[Rayny]

Does anybody know this car, or it's vendor Country Cars (Kent).

1979 model 450SLC - Reg XOW424V

What would it be like for daily use.
5 days a week 6 miles each way to/from work.
Once a week for a 30 to 50 mile jaunt, and once every six to eight weeks for a 200 to 600 mile run.

How would it compare to my 2001 W203 C240 ?

Open season to call me an idiot for even considering it, or calling me an idiot for owning a 2001 C Class.

 

[jonnyboy]

personally i quite like it. Ive always quite liked SLC's, and Milan Bronze colour (?) too
Chances are its had lots of welding.
Bearing in mind its a dealer its not too overpriced, although the leather needs work.

I'd probably buy the 560SEL though (and change the wheels) with your mileage you wont feel the difference.....

 

[SilverSaloon]

You'll want it to be in fantastic condition (ie no rust) at that price. that includes underneath, not just bodywork.

it will bring a smile to your face every drive, but i'd also be tempted by the SEL

 

[DSLiverpool]

I noticed this whilst on Bentley search - looks lovely
hposc111

 

[seymansey]

Lovely looking car

I'd love an SLC, but from previous discissions i'd fear buying a bag of rust.

 

[Rayny]

personally i quite like it. Ive always quite liked SLC's, and Milan Bronze colour (?) too
Chances are its had lots of welding.
Bearing in mind its a dealer its not too overpriced, although the leather needs work.

I'd probably buy the 560SEL though (and change the wheels) with your mileage you wont feel the difference.....

Thanks for the input, I did think about it but for everyday use the 560 would be too big for me.

 

[jaymanek]

I would have to be realistic here and warn you to be careful.

These cars rot like mad... You will have to check the car thoroughly to ensure none has set in otherwise it will be no good as a daily driver.. it will spend more time in the bodyshop.

Also remember that these are very thirsty V8's... I bet the 560 would actually be more frugal.

Whenever i buy an older car, I change all the consumables, budget around £1000 to do this... it will give you peace of mind.

- All Fluids
- Plugs
- Leads
- Distributor Cap
- Rotor Arm
- All Filters
- Any perished rubbers etc

Also a good coat of waxoyl underneath wouldnt go amiss.

 

[SilverSaloon]

have you considered an SL rather than an SLC?

Agree with Jay - they rot badly. i bought a SL that looked very good on the surface but had lots of work to do underneath. luckily i did all the work myself which saved ££££s but i dread to wonder the cost if i was paying for someone's labour.

buyer beware. they are nice classics that can be used everyday if you get a nice one though,

 

[MPG]

Can't say I've ever used that garage but I do drive past it on an almost daily basis. It's on the A229 between Cranbrook & Staplehurst next to a Murco petrol station. He rotates his stock on the forecourt quite a bit - that 450SLC is currently sitting on the front row if memory serves me right.

Personally, I'd agree with some of the other posters & be more inclined to look at the 560 SEL. With a standard set of alloys, the awful exhaust tailpipe embelllisher removed & the original front indicators reinstated it would be a tidy looking car. Obviously all of Jays words need to be heeded as I've replaced pretty much all the items he mentions over the past 12 months.

Incidentally, have you also considered the 1990 300CE he's got ?

 

[Rayny]

Jaymanek and SilverSaloon,
Thanks for the reality check, It just looks so good - but I guess it is not really a car to have when it will always be parked outside, especially as I have neither the knowledge nor tools to maintain it myself.

MPG thanks for your comment - yes the 300CE looks good as well, but it is 11 years and about 60,000 more miles older than my current car and only about 13bhp more, so while it is a beautiful car I would feel that I would be trading downwards.

(Note to self) Stop dreaming and just keep the C240 for a while.