SLC owners-how does it handle??? opinions pleeze

[unkl300d]

Hello SLC owners.
I'm trying to gather an idea about the handling
of an '81 380 SLC.
A bit larger than the SL model, so how
does it fare on the road.
Any other comments?
There is one for sale about 1 hour away but I
can't find the time to test drive it.(I may eventually)
I know of the common issues (this one has single timing chain, but "supposedly" changed
10K ago--car has 126K on it. I know..danger Will Robinson...)

Main question is about the ride putting it through the
steps.
Just another platinum blonde or does she SAMBA ?
Thanks!!

[TSL]

I am a very happy owner of a 72 SLC, 90,000 miles. Being a motor head for 30 years, I have found this auto to be very strong, handles well, regular problems with a 30 year old auto. SLC rated as a very safe auto and some what sounder than the SLs.

[TSL]

Remember it is still a sports car.

[unkl300d]

Thanks TSL, if you can think of any
other opinions, let me know.
Does your insurance categorize this as a coupe
or roadster?

One other thing, how reliable is the tuning?
Are these carburated or fuel injected?
Does the tune up hold for some time or
does it need it relatively often?

Thanks

[TSL]

Tune seems to last about 15,000 miles or more. I drive mine daily and can not seem to keep my foot out of it. Electronic fuel injection for this 72 model. Yours may have something else. MPGs on mine is about 14-15 around town and 19 hwy, but I have a very short gear, 3:90s and tacking about 3500-4000 cruising. I understand that the 450 (4.5) is in some cases not as reliable as the 3.5. 4.5s easier to get parts on. Ride will be kind of like a corvette or transam. I get the feeling that the SLCs are going to raise in value due to the stronger bodies and we can all carry kids in them. Good solid cars, made to last, if taken care of.
Hope I am of some help,
Best,
TSL

[TSL]

I am in Georgia and my insurance does not state how it is listed, classified as antique. Insurance is low on me anyway, full coverage at around $600 annually. By way your year should have electronic fuel injection with non point dist. Tune will last longer. Use a K&N filter, about $38 and noticeable addition.

[unkl300d]

Thanks TSL, being in Georgia you
are at least in the same state as
MB Autoworks / Benzmac.
Lucky you!

Anyway I appreciate your points.

Denis

[Deltacom]

Originally posted by unkl300d
Thanks TSL, being in Georgia you
are at least in the same state as
MB Autoworks / Benzmac.
Lucky you!

Anyway I appreciate your points.

Denis

Denis,

I have owned the 450SLC, 380SLC and currently a 450SLC 5.0 limited edition. The 380 having less CC outputs higher BHP due to the fact that the hood, trunk lid and underbumpers are aluminium, together with the engine block being also alloy and lacking the cylinder liners which all reduces weight to the tune of over 280lbs. The bores are treated "a la vega" with silicon cristals and the valves are sodium-filled as the aircrafts. Funny thing these valves, despite being 0.9 mm thinner at the stem they are 2mm wider at the head. This with the 4-speed auto gearbox makes the 380 a superior car (except the 5.0).

The SLC are undoubtedly the most elegant of the Mercs and one the sweetest things in swervery, beautifully balanced handling, phenomenal grip on corners and most reliable.

When you floor the acelerator pedal the most gorgeous growl issues from somehwere deep in the tiger bay and when it does, the car seems to leap- except that the leap is soon over, while this goes on and on, a great surge that seems to tip the road down the car's gullet and turn the horizon bluer, as though a contracting universe were the essence of some new Daimler-Benz cosmological theory.

Of all the many fine models made by the Benz the SLC is undeniably glamorous - it whispers of soft summer evenings, of diner jackets and flowing gowns, of candle-lit supper parties and pleasant conversation. It speaks of affluence, certainly indulgence. It has panache and it is as heady as the best Champagne. But Healthy engines have healthy appetite.

Anthony

[unkl300d]

Thanks Anthony for your eloquent opinion about the SLC.
I can 'visualise' your point!

Cheers.
Denis

[Steve Guilford]

Anthony, attribution to L.J.K. Setright would be in order don't you think ?

Steve Guilford
107026 12 000677
107024 12 011890

[Deltacom]

Originally posted by Steve Guilford
Anthony, attribution to L.J.K. Setright would be in order don't you think ?

Steve Guilford
107026 12 000677
107024 12 011890

Steve & Members

Attribution and credit solely and exclusively to LJK Streight on his definition of the SLC to which I fully subcribe and share his views as defined on this thread.

Well pointed out. Tks.

[mcarboni]

I have a 1978 SLC in São Paulo - Brazil, and I totaly agree with Anthony eloquent opinion about the SLC !!!
I did some trips with my car in the mountains, going to Campos do Jordão (Small city on the mountain like a Switzerland city) and this car its fantastic on the road !! Like Anthony says, "....phenomenal grip on corners and most reliable".. than SL model !!!
On the Mountain range of the sea, going to Guarujá beach, this car has one of the most spetacular brake than ever see !!
In my opinion, the SLC model is much better than a SL model, in all aspects, especially when you want to take you 4 people family and get a good weekend ride !!
Unlk300D, go ahead and by a SLC !!
I am so sorry about my poor and desireble english!

São Paulo - Brasil
1978 SLC
Marcos

[mcarboni]

I have a 1978 SLC in São Paulo - Brazil, and I totaly agree with Anthony eloquent opinion about the SLC !!!
I did some trips with my car in the mountains, going to Campos do Jordão (Small city on the mountain like a Switzerland city) and this car its fantastic on the road !! Like Anthony says, "....phenomenal grip on corners and most reliable".. than SL model !!!
On the Mountain range of the sea, going to Guarujá beach, this car has one of the most spetacular brake than ever see !!
In my opinion, the SLC model is much better than a SL model, in all aspects, especially when you want to take you 4 people family and get a good weekend ride !!
Unlk300D, go ahead and buy a SLC !!
I am so sorry about my poor and desireble english!

São Paulo - Brasil
1978 SLC
Marcos

[unkl300d]

Thanks Marcos, yours looks fine in chocolate brown!
The guy who had one for sale flaked on me, but now I am investing in a new real estate project. So, maybe after
a year I'll snoop around again.

Ciao.

Denis

[DZLPWR]

I owned a 77 450SLC and I currently own a 76 450SL. The biggest difference between the two cars is the wheelbase. The SLC is LONG and very stable and smooth. The SL turns a 360 in a fraction of the radious of the SLC.
There are other obvisous differences with the structure of the SLC over the ragtop car. The SLC is a very nice highway car. With using cruise, the best I got was about 23 mpg - highway driving.
The SLC didn't fit our needs, - 2drs and the same trunk as the SL doesn't work with a new born. The four door 300SDL does much better.

Check out the rear window seal for water/rust damage.