LHD 450 SLC no history

[markshiel]

Dear All,
I am new to MBs but used to have a VW Karmann Ghia and a BMW 3.0 CSi. I am looking at possibly buying a 1976 MB 450 SLC LHD imported from the USA three years ago and kept garaged since with the current owner doing only about 300-400 miles a year in it for pleasure. Body is rust-free (from Southern California) and mechanicals and electrics are all said to be working. Interior looks to be in reasonably good shape (all leather). BUT (!) the owner has no history for the car and is not sure how many owners it has had. AND (!!) the odometer in the car was broken when imported and was replaced by current owner on arrival. Broken odometer kept with the vehicle still indicates 110,000 miles though we don't know when it broke.
I'd be grateful for rough estimates of how much I should be thinking of paying for this car.
Also, can anyone recommend a good R107-knowledgeable mechanic or just a good MB-knowledgeable mechanic in the Nottingham/Derby/Stoke area?
Thanks.

Mark

 

[pookie]

Hi Mark,
My advice here, after recently buying a 450slc with limited history - buy with your head, not your heart. Some people will see it differently, but in my humble opinion and experience when a car gets to 30+ years old, its all about condition and more condition, history to me would be a secondary issue.
I would go around the body with a toothcomb - what looks like a little problem is potentially a big spender if it needs straightened out on these cars (speaking from experience) The panels are very thick, so if there is any signs of kinks in the bodywork - knock him down on price.
Presuming the body is good - check thoroughly the interior - in America with the heat, dashboards often get cracked/ faded. Leather seats etc. can be faded too with the sun over there. I'd be looking for sunshine damage of any kind, so to speak.
I would take both these things into account when making an offer on the car. Check the engine too - look for leaks or anything out of place, oil pressure, engine temperature etc etc. Worth checking if the a/c is working too - it should be working, coming from the States so recently.
I would need to see the car to put an exact price on it, but I would estimate its worth between £1000 (things to do) and £4000 (minter) depending on the condition of it overall. Being LHD is a draw back, but I've seen rough ones advertised at £2400. (280SLC LHD)
I hope this is of some help. :?
Good luck!!

 

[markshiel]

Hi, Thanks for your great advice. A good point about sunshine damage - I'll look out for it. The owner says the a/c *is* working - if so, that'll be important. I'm going to see the car next week with someone who knows SLs very well and will let you know how I get on...

Mark

 

[markshiel]

Hi Pookie,
Since my last post I went to see the LHD 450SLC (250 miles round trip!) and was sobered though not entirely disappointed. The body was generally clean and sound. One small area of bubbling less than one square inch on the driver's side wing (could turn out to be a lot more, I know) but otherwise no rust, no paint problems, or otherwise - did a thorough check. Engine appeared in ok condition but seemed to be running on less than 8 cylinders (to my ear and that of the mechanic I brought with me; car hasn't had a lot of use lately, just very occasional short runs). So perhaps a little sluggish, but otherwise it ran well enough, with temp and other gauges and a/c all seeming ok. However, the interior was the weakest feature: there appears to have been some leaking through the sunroof where the seals are evidently worn; and there are two quite glaring cracks in the upper dash and some serious fading on the centre console.
All that said, the car still had charm (as they do!) and I'm in two minds so thinking it over for a few days. I may make an offer taking into account the need for a new dash (or at least a moulded cover), the sunroof, and work to get all cylinders firing.
Does my caution sound right to you? I'm tempted to throw myself into it as a slow labor-of-love restoration job while enjoying the pleasure of short weekend runs. I think I'm up for the challenge and the car looked like it has potential to shine with some attention and tlc.
Any comments would be appreciated to help me decide.
Thanks.

Mark