Should I make an offer?

[PhotoMike]

My Mother in Law passed away last year, leaving alot behind including a 1977 Mercedes 450 slc which she had purchased new and had totally restored by a dealer 5-6 yrs ago. I want to purchase the car from the estate and need to know more info about that car and what it may be worth. Since my wife technically owns 1/2 the car to begin with I feel it would be a good purchase reguardless. Thanks for any input, Mike.

[ctaylor738]

The SLC's are the poor cousins of the 107 (the MB chassis series) line compared to the roadsters. They are rare, but very hard to sell because most people want to be able to put the top down. Yet you have all the expense of keeping the car in shape.

That said, they do have sunroofs and more room on the inside. And the look and drive like an SL. So get it inspected by someone who knows the cars and research traderonline.com and ebay to get an idea of value, and make your offer accordingly. At least in 1977, I think you are past the underhood catalytic converters. If not, then think real hard, as those cars had some serious and chronic problems.

[Dana B.]

Originally Posted by ctaylor738

The SLC's are the poor cousins of the 107 (the MB chassis series) line compared to the roadsters.

Funny, when I worked for MB in '75-'77, the SLC was the most expensive car on the lot.

[PhotoMike]

I need to get back up there and check out the car and look alot closer, perhaps take it to a dealer/shop to review it. She had spent many thousands on it for the restoration and its mostly sat cover in a building since then. Its brown,V8 thats about all I know. Im more of an American '60s muscle car guy myself so MB are new to me. Thanks for the input, Mike.

[Catrinus]

in re: Dana B saying "Funny, when I worked for MB in '75-'77, the SLC was the most expensive car on the lot."

That was undoubtably true then. But if you do any kind of comparison check of the same year SL vs SLC values TODAY, you'll find that the SLCs are often going at rock-bottom prices. I'd say that typical is 1/3 to 1/2 what a comparable SL would be. It was just an odd niche (it was too big to be a sports car, and too small to be the "real" MB 4 seater coupe that coupe fans wanted). Used value is all about desireability, and has nothing to do with new price. Need another example: look at Jaguars. They cost an arm and a leg new but can be had for a song just a couple of years old. I'm sure that they have one of the worst (steepest) depreciation curves of any car (which is good for poor fans like me!).

Catrinus
73 280C (a REAL coupe but also not a very desireable one for collectors!)

[PhotoMike]

I saw a 77 450 slc on Ebay for $5,500.00 and was dissapointed to say the least, although Im not sure of the shape it's in. It sounds like it may be a nice toy to pick up and enjoy and drive but the "collectability" might not quite be there. I know she spent thousands on the restoration 4-5 years ago and the car looks great, I just want to know more before I try to pick it up.
Thanks to all that have commented and please keep them coming. Mike.