1980 Mercedes-Benz R107 450SLC #2395

Mercedes-Benz 450SLC Astral Silver with Black Velour

Air conditioning, low mileage & former royal family long-term ownership

In 1980, this 450SLC was ordered by the Kuwaiti Royal Family, with the vehicle registered in the name of Al Sabah. Between 1980 and 2016 this vehicle has been owned by the family, with few years appearing to be overseas. Accompanying the vehicle is a written declaration dated 28^th March 2016 that the vehicle is to leave the family for the first time; with a mileage of 36,040. Since then, the SLC has been in the custody of Mr Pilalis who we have had the pleasure of supporting since he acquired the vehicle.

The exterior is finished in Astral Silver and complimented by a Black Velour interior throughout the spacious and luxurious interior. In the hands of the Royals, it appears that they upgraded the wheels with 15-inch versions of the classic ‘Bundt’ style wheels, as opposed to the more traditional 14-inch examples made available from 1969.

Inside, the SLC benefits form an array of modern conveniences ranging from Air Conditioning, an Outside Temperature Gauge, Cruise Control, ABS, Electric Windows to the front and rear, as well as an upgraded aftermarket audio system and Cobra alarm system.  With the vehicle is a large folder of original booklets that are in fantastic condition – these are supplied in both Arabic and English.

Before going on to talk about the condition of the vehicle, it is important here to point out that since 2018, a considerable amount has been invested into this 450SLC, with the current owner commissioning SLSHOP to put right some of the ailments that have emerged with age.

In 2018, over £10,000 was spent to deal with several cosmetic and structural issues, this included removing the rear bumper assembly, replacing all three valance panels following a repaint and refit. Alongside this was reapplying protective Dinitrol to the underbody, bulkhead and inner sills. Other cosmetic improvements include a new Green Windscreen, rear lenses with new seals. Refurbishment has also been carried out to the fuel pump, with new strainer, pipes and hoses for the whole system.

More recently, work to get this 450SLC has included major servicing, including replacement brake calipers, pads, hoses and a full engine service. Between 2018 and 2022, the current owner has invested significantly in preparing this 450SLC for another 42 years on the road.

EXTERIOR 

The exterior paintwork is in fantastic condition and the little impact of rust prior to visiting SLSHOP in 2018 is most likely down to the warm climate the SLC lived in up until the early 1990s. The work we have carried out has brought out the true character of this SLC, allowing the Astral Silver to shimmer all year round; not just in the summer. The brightwork has been recommissioned, with the side mouldings also replaced to make sure they look as they did from the factory.

The alternative 15” wheels are in fantastic condition, largely because the car has been used sparingly since they were fitted. At this level, the lower sills look fantastic and are finished in the period correct colour of Galanite Grey (as pictured). At window level, the chrome is rich and straight, hugging the body as they should.

INTERIOR 

Inside, the full luxury of a 1970s designed Mercedes-Benz is offered, with the Black velour plush and testament to the royal ownership of over 30 years. All seats have been regularly cleaned to remove contaminants, with the ribbed outer panels reminiscent of the seventies.

The centre console Burl Wood is in fantastic condition, with no dents, scratches or cracks. The handbrake cover was refurbished by SLSHOP in 2019 - these are prone to cracking with time. All dials and switches operate as they should, are clean and rich in colour. The ash trays throughout the car are testament to the condition of the interior - all have absolutely no signs of smoke related damage.

In the boot, you will find the original red canvas tool roll, within which you will find a collection of Mercedes-Benz tools. All of these tools are beautifully intact and largely retain all the original finish, likely down to the little use by the Royal owners who utilised specialists during their ownership.

Under the bonnet is the 4.5 litre M117 V8 has been recently serviced and as you can see, is clean and well presented. Inside the owner’s wallet is an array of stickers relevant to the engine bay, including the Blower Motor Cover sticker and other relevant, period-correct stickers.

This is an exceptional 2+2 coupe, with a fantastic history of care, low mileage and a condition that offers decades of uninterrupted enjoyment. We invite interested parties to view this SLC in our Showroom or request a video walk around. Please note the service book is present, but is in Arabic with some of the service stamps in English.