The Mercedes-Benz SLC (C107) 450 SLC 5.0 V8: A Grand Touring Icon
The Mercedes-Benz SLC (C107) represents a distinctive chapter in the German automaker’s illustrious history, serving as the fixed-roof coupe counterpart to the popular R107 SL roadster. Introduced in 1971, the C107 platform was designed as a luxurious and capable grand tourer, offering more interior space and a longer wheelbase than its convertible sibling. Among its various iterations, the 450 SLC 5.0 V8, produced from May 1978 to March 1980, stands out as a particularly significant and high-performance variant. This specialized model, designated by its M 117 E 50 engine, was not merely a luxurious cruiser but also a homologation special, designed to meet the requirements for rally racing, particularly in challenging events like the Safari Rally. Its blend of sophisticated engineering, robust power, and elegant styling cemented its place as a desirable and enduring classic in the luxury coupe segment.
Engineering and Performance of the Mercedes-Benz SLC (C107) 450 SLC 5.0 V8
At the heart of the 450 SLC 5.0 V8 lies its formidable M 117 E 50 engine, a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter (5025 cm3 or 306.64 cu. in.) V8 powerplant. This unit was a significant upgrade from the standard 4.5-liter V8, specifically developed to give the C107 a competitive edge in motorsport. Generating a robust 240 horsepower at 5000 rpm and a substantial 296.5 lb.-ft. of torque at 3200 rpm, the engine delivered impressive performance for its era. The power-to-liter ratio stood at a respectable 47.8 HP/l, underscoring its efficient design.
The engine featured an overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder, a common and reliable configuration for V8s of the period. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port manifold injection system, a sophisticated setup that ensured precise fuel metering and improved efficiency compared to carbureted systems. With a compression ratio of 8.8:1, the engine was designed for durability and smooth operation, characteristic of Mercedes-Benz engineering. The lubrication system required 8 liters (8.45 US quarts) of engine oil, while the cooling system held 13.5 liters (14.27 US quarts) of coolant, indicating a robust design capable of managing thermal loads even under demanding conditions.
Power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a 3-speed automatic transmission, a common choice for luxury vehicles of the late 1970s, prioritizing smooth shifts and comfortable cruising. Despite the relatively few gears by modern standards, the powerful V8 engine’s broad torque band ensured strong acceleration. The 450 SLC 5.0 V8 could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 8.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 139.81 mph (225 km/h). These figures were highly competitive for a luxury coupe weighing 3340 lbs (1515 kg) at the curb, giving it a weight-to-power ratio of 6.3 kg/Hp (158.4 Hp/tonne). Fuel economy was rated at a combined 16.2 US mpg (14.5 l/100 km), which was typical for a large V8-powered luxury car of its time.
Design and Features
The Mercedes-Benz SLC (C107) distinguished itself from its R107 SL roadster sibling primarily through its longer wheelbase and fixed-roof coupe body style. Measuring 187.01 inches (4750 mm) in length, 70.47 inches (1790 mm) in width, and 52.36 inches (1330 mm) in height, the SLC offered a more spacious cabin, capable of accommodating five occupants, though the rear seats were more suited for occasional use or children. The extended wheelbase of 110.83 inches (2815 mm) not only contributed to greater interior room but also provided a smoother ride, enhancing its grand touring credentials.
Aesthetically, the SLC retained the elegant, understated styling of the R107 generation, characterized by its wide grille, large rectangular headlamps, and chrome accents. Unique to the SLC were the distinctive louvers on the C-pillars, which were both a styling cue and a functional element, aiding in air extraction from the cabin. The 450 SLC 5.0 V8, in particular, often featured subtle aerodynamic enhancements and lightweight alloy wheels, hinting at its performance aspirations. The car rode on 205/70 R14 tires mounted on 6.5J x 14 wheel rims, a common size for luxury cars of the period, balancing ride comfort with adequate grip.
Underneath its refined exterior, the C107 featured a sophisticated chassis. The front suspension utilized a double wishbone setup with a transverse stabilizer, providing precise handling and a comfortable ride. The rear suspension employed a threaded twist beam with a transverse stabilizer, a robust design that offered good stability. Braking was handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, a capable system for the car’s weight and performance. Steering was a cone worm with recirculation balls type, enhanced by hydraulic power steering, ensuring ease of maneuverability at low speeds and good feedback at higher velocities. Safety features, standard for Mercedes-Benz in this era, included a rigid passenger cell, crumple zones, and advanced braking technology for its time, reflecting the brand’s commitment to occupant protection.
Technical Specifications: Mercedes-Benz SLC (C107) 450 SLC 5.0 V8 (240 Hp) Automatic
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| General Information | |
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SLC |
| Generation | SLC (C107) |
| Type (Engine) | 450 SLC 5.0 V8 (240 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of Production | May, 1978 year |
| End of Production | March, 1980 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 14.5 l/100 km (16.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 225 km/h (139.81 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.3 kg/Hp (158.4 Hp/tonne) |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.8 kg/Nm (265.3 Nm/tonne) |
| Engine Specs | |
| Power | 240 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per liter | 47.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 402 Nm @ 3200 rpm (296.5 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 117 E 50 / 117.960 |
| Engine displacement | 5025 cm3 (306.64 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 97 mm (3.82 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt) |
| Coolant | 13.5 l (14.27 US qt) |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Kerb Weight | 1515 kg (3340 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 2005 kg (4420.27 lbs) |
| Max load | 490 kg (1080.27 lbs) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 90 l (23.78 US gal) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4750 mm (187.01 in.) |
| Width | 1790 mm (70.47 in.) |
| Height | 1330 mm (52.36 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2815 mm (110.83 in.) |
| Front track | 1452 mm (57.17 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1440 mm (56.69 in.) |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension Specs | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 3 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Threaded twist beam, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 14 |
Legacy and Market Impact of the Mercedes-Benz SLC (C107)
The Mercedes-Benz SLC (C107) had a significant, albeit niche, market impact during its production run, particularly the performance-oriented 450 SLC 5.0 V8 variant. While the R107 SL roadster was a highly successful personal luxury car in the American market, the SLC coupe offered a different proposition: a more practical, four-to-five-seater grand tourer with a distinct stylistic identity. Its longer wheelbase and elegant roofline appealed to buyers seeking Mercedes-Benz luxury and engineering prowess in a more spacious, all-weather package.
In its primary markets, which included Europe and North America, the SLC competed against other high-end luxury coupes and grand tourers such as the Jaguar XJ-S, BMW 6 Series (E24), and even some offerings from Porsche. The 450 SLC 5.0 V8, with its enhanced engine and rally heritage, carved out a unique position. It was a homologation special, designed to allow Mercedes-Benz to compete in endurance rallies, most famously winning the Bandama Rally in Ivory Coast and the Safari Rally in Kenya. This motorsport success lent the 5.0 V8 variant a sporting credibility that few of its luxury competitors could match.
Despite its relatively short production run (May 1978 – March 1980) for this specific engine variant, the 450 SLC 5.0 V8 established a reputation for robust performance, exceptional build quality, and long-distance comfort. Its rarity and motorsport pedigree make it a highly sought-after classic today, particularly among collectors who appreciate its blend of luxury, performance, and historical significance. The C107 generation, in general, is celebrated for its tank-like build quality and timeless design, making it a favorite for restoration and daily driving alike. The 450 SLC 5.0 V8, with its distinctive engine and rally-bred DNA, stands as a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s engineering ambition and its ability to blend opulent luxury with serious performance capabilities, solidifying its legacy as a true grand touring icon.
