1978 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC

2dr Coupe

8-cyl. 4520cc/180hp Bosch FI

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$13,000*

+60.5%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph01/2404/2407/24$5k$10kOct 2024
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1972-1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC stats
Highest sale
$883,192
Lowest sale
$972
Most recent sale
$8,740
Sales
243

Photos

43 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Canepa
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Model overview

Model description

In 1973, Mercedes-Benz introduced a practice that became standard operating procedure for their model lineup. Namely, the company released a closed version of their SL roadster called the 350SLC. Like the 350SL, the car embodied a certain level of automotive style and sophistication, and spawned a family of models that persisted relatively unchanged until 1989.

With the R107, Mercedes debuted a V-8 engine in the convertible lineup, which was necessary given the new SL’s relative girthy 3,400-pound weight. Styling was typically conservative and somewhat reminiscent of the pagoda top cars, and despite dimensions more or less the same, the R107 appeared to be much larger. The SLC coupes were very much similar in appearance to the hard-top-equipped convertibles, though they had a taller roofline and were 14 inches longer due to the presence of two usable rear seats.

Mercedes-Benz 450SLC’s engine was a 4.5-liter, fuel-injected V-8 that featured an overhead cam and delivered 230 horsepower. It was paired with a three-speed automatic, with no manual transmission on offer. Suspension was fully independent and four-wheel disc braking was standard. A sunroof was a popular option.

For 1973, the car’s name was revised to match the engine’s displacement, and 450SLC would be the model designation moving forward. Also revised this year was the way in which horsepower was rated, and the new SAE net meant the 450SLC’s power was listed at 190 hp. The following year, the 450SLC grew large safety bumpers front and rear in keeping with federal regulations. In 1975, emissions requirements reduced output to 180 hp with the addition of a catalytic converter.

In 1976, the SLC was fitted with a continuous fuel injection system, as well as transistorized ignition. Two years later, in 1978, Mercedes introduced automatic climate control and 14-inch aluminum wheels as standard equipment. The cars went unchanged in 1979, and in 1980, the fuel injection system was revised, further cutting power from 180 hp to 160 hp.

The 450SLC model ended production with the 1980 model year, and its 380SLC replacement would carry the torch into the 1980s. Before it was gone, however, nearly 32,000 450SLCs were sold. When paired with their renowned reputation, they are easy to locate today and make for very comfortable cruisers. Prices are significantly discounted when compared to the convertibles, which can be a bargain depending on driving habits.

Vehicle specifications

  • Shipping Weight3715 lbs
  • Vehicle Length196.4 in
  • Wheelbase - Inches111 in
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Classic car

Common Questions

The value of a 1978 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $13,000 for a 1978 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1978 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC at auction over the last three years was $93,978. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1978 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC at auction over the last three years was $2,550. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 8 1978 Mercedes-Benz 450SLCs sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1978 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC was $18,900 on January 16, 2024 by Bring a Trailer.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.