The Mercedes-Benz SLC is usefully cheaper than the SL it’s based upon.
Every week, we’re tracking the values of the most popular classic cars on the UK market. Thanks to our friends at Classic Car Weekly, we can focus on one car and compare its values from 2005 to today – and then anticipate where they will be in 2025. This week, we take a look at the Mercedes-Benz SLC, the long-wheelbase, hard-topped version of the legendary Mercedes-Benz SL (R107). Classic Car Weekly’s editor David Simister tells the market story of this underrated 1970s cruiser.
MERCEDES-BENZ SLC – THE CURRENT SITUATION
We’re looking at the 350 SLC and the more powerful 380 SLC and 450 SLC as there isn’t much price variation between the individual variants, and what’s true for both is that they haven’t captured the market’s imagination in the way that their al fresco siblings have. That’s a real shame because these handsome cars have a character all of their own and are also very satisfying to own, as long as you’ve chosen one you’re not needing to wrestle the rust bug on.
As you’ll see from the values below, had you snapped one up back a decade or so ago you’d have likely have had change from £7000-£8000. But that’s not the case these days, even if they’re not inflating with quite the same vigour as the SL roadster. But while prices have crept up to nearer £10,000-£12,000, they’re still around 40% cheaper than comparable SLs of the same era, making a good SLC something of a bargain.
Mercedes-Benz SLC interior is very much what you’d expect.
MERCEDES-BENZ SLC VALUES – LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE
Let’s be honest here, the SLC has been left behind by the SL – let’s put that down to its slower sales in the UK when new, its slightly less happy styling, and its lack of a droptop. People love a convertible. We can’t really see that situation changing any time soon.
MERCEDES-BENZ SLC PRICE TRACKER
The SLC is as bit of a bargain – Anglia Car Auctions sold one for just £4240 back in January, and another made £5962 at H&H at the end of last year, and that’s likely because it’s just not on the want-one list of as many buyers. That said, it’s much rarer, and people will pay far more than these prices for a top-notch example – CCA sold a minter last summer for nearly £19,000, and there’s currently a left-hooker on CCfS for an eye-watering £49,950.
Below are the typical prices for a Condition 2 example between 2005-2025.
2005 £6500
2010 £6500
2015 £7500
2020 £10,000
2025 £11,000 (anticipated)
Mercedes-Benz SLC doing what it does best…
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