New addition to my family

[Greg]

I'm pleased to announce that I have a new addition to the fleet. It's a very rare 500SLC, something that has been on my dream car list for many years (see my "Let's Dream" thread at http://www.mbcnsw.org.au/forum/index.php/topic,66.0.html ). For those unfamiliar with the 500SLC (the early versions were badged 450SLC-5.0), see the article http://www.mbcnsw.org.au/forum/index.php/topic,186.0.html .

I picked it up at yesterday's big classic car auction. It has low kilometres, service history, is very original and will clean up to be something pretty special. Got it home today and the more I study it and realise what I have got, the bigger the smile gets. I'm wrapped! Will tell more and post some photos when I get more time.

Greg

[oscar]

Congrats Greg!
Would this auction have appeared in a news snippet on the weekend?

Great read that second article. Well put together.  I had no idea of the extent of MB's involvement and success in rallying in that era, nor the 107's record production run.  The 500slc being rare, it begs the question to ask what the history is behind yours.  Is yours RHD, 340hp too, and 4spd?

Looking forward to hearing more about it, especially driving experiences and of course, seeing the photos. You must be stoked!

[''DELILAH'']

Yes, congratulations Greg, I was at the auction and that is indeed a rare Merc you have picked up and a great addition to your "fleet".

I look forward to seeing it at the next club event!

[johnston]

Hi Greg and Family
Congratulations on the new baby! we know what owing the dream is all about
Cheers from Catharine and Graham Johnston Newcastle (SLK)

[Mathew]

Greg lovely car you lucky thing you sure have got something special there. You have got a really nice collection I must say, ever thought of opening a dealership lol
Cheers Mat

[Greg]

Oscar,

Yes, it was the Bonham's & Goodman auction that appeared on several TV news stories on the weekend. In fact, while I was preoccupied with studying the engine on this car, a TV camera was shoved in my face accompanied by the comment "We're from Channel 7" followed by numerous questions about the cars. It is incredible to think that all 153 cars belonged to one person and that this was not his complete collection. The auction results are available at http://www.bonhamsandgoodman.com.au/auctions_results_view.php?auction=85&year=2006

The 500SLC I purchased is one of the "standard" road versions. It was delivered new in Switzerland (and is therefore LHD) and came to Australia in 2000. I believe only around fifteen 107026 models were prepared as factory rally cars and any of these would realise a much higher price than what I paid. The early 107026 models were badged 450SLC 5.0 and the later ones 500SLC. The standard road versions still got the lightweight treatment (aluminium bonnet and bootlid in addition of course to the all-alloy engine which eventually become standard for all the V8s). It "only" has the standard 240bhp (177kW) as was the also the case with the 500SL and had similar power output to the Aussie delivered W126 560SEL and SEC models which came later. Where the 500SLC gained its performance was in being somewhat lighter than every other 107 model (and of course much lighter than the 126 models). My 500SLC is about two adults lighter than my 350SLC. The early versions retained the 3-speed auto as fitted to other V8 107 and 116 models whereas later models like mine got the 4-speed auto as was fitted to the 126 models.


MBenzAU,

I used the term "rare" simply because by MB standards the 500SLC (as a model number) was rare. Only 1133 cars wore the 500SLC badge which makes it the rarest 107 model badge and I believe one of the rarest of any MB badges in the last 50 years. The 500SLC badge was even outnumbered by the 300SL badge ("gullwing" or roadster) and the 600 badge. Only the 300S of the 1950s numbered less. It is only when you talk chassis numbers that the 107026 designation which was also used by the similar 450SLC 5.0 outnumbered some other series. With 1636 units of the 450SLC 5.0 added to the 1133 of the 500SLC, the total for the 107026 was 2769 cars.


Vince,

Thanks and I hope you enjoyed the auction even if you weren't bidding. They can be good entertainment when there are interesting cars.


Catharine & Graham,

Thanks and welcome to the forum. I trust you are still enjoying your SLK320.


Mat,

I would do no good with a dealership. I like buying but don't seem to do much selling!

Thanks,
Greg

Below are some photos I took prior to the auction. Unfortunately the skylights in the warehouse distorted the colours somewhat.

[Greg]

some more

[Greg]

and more

[Greg]

and still more

[Mathew]

I have the same problem I like buying but not parting with them. That is one very unique car there Greg I'm sure you'll have fun in it, nice photo's.
Cheers Mat

[Des]

Greg very nice looking car, you must be very pleased.

what year is it? I notice it has ABS,

also the boot spoiler, is that a factory job or an AMG item?

It looks AMG to me,


thanks
Des

[Des]

Thanks for the info Greg, would be interested to hear how the breaks compare to your 350SLC,

have often wondered that with W116's I know the last ones out the factory could be ordered with ABS,
never seen an australian delivered car with it on them.


It's always nice to own a special car, even more so when it is a bit rare, but still blends in, its not like you are driving down the street in something that would attract a lot of attention.

[Greg]

When you say economical are we talking Sydney to Melbourne on one tank of fuel ?

MBenzAU,

I have just checked the owner's manual and as it turns out it is would be possible to do Sydney to Melbourne on one tank. Just so long as you are prepared to travel at a steady 70km/h. Oh, did I mention that it has a 90 litre tank?

I suspect most buyers of the 500SLC would not have been too concerned with fuel economy. I suspect they would have been more interested in its ability to travel the equivalent of Sydney to Melbourne in just over 4 hours, plus of course the time spent at fuel stops, (at those speeds it would consume more than 3 tanks!).

Greg

[Des]

Hi Greg

Maybe it is time to expand your fleet with this one?

  

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Benz-SL-Class-450-SLC-5-0-450-SLC-5-0-Factory-Lightweight-Rally-Competition-Coupe_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6338QQihZ001QQitemZ110101094397QQrdZ1

[Greg]

Des,

If it was one of the genuine factory prepared rally cars it would be worth a lot, lot more than the amount suggested there. Unfortunately, as nice as it appears (and whilst it is a genuine 107026), it is only a replica rally car. I'm not sure if this adds to or detracts from its value. I also notice it has a couple of US modifications (turn signals under front bumper and catalytic converters). Presumably some of the other US requirements (quad sealed beam headlights, big bumpers, etc.) have been removed. Also absent are the front fog lights and uniquely 107026 front air dam and dark grey on the lower body panels (although this was a delete option). Will be interesting to see how much it goes for.

Greg