Euro 1981 Mercedes-Benz 500SLC: The MB Market

As Mercedes-Benz aimed to reintroduce themselves into the world of rally racing, the SLC was hand-picked as the perfect platform with superb handling and a fixed roof providing added body rigidity to the SL. The only piece missing from the formula was more power. With that in mind, Mercedes introduced the 450SLC 5.0 as a homologation model which beefed up the M117. The debut event for the SLC rally car was the month-long 30,000 km 1978 Vuelta America del Sud (Tour of South America) which was known as one of the most grueling rallies. Only about one third of all the entered cars survived and finishing 1st, 2nd, and 4th was the 5.0 SLC, and, for what it's worth, 3rd place was also a Mercedes. The 500SLC was introduced in 1980 as the successor of the 450SLC 5.0, still as a homologation model SLC packed with a 5.0L under the hood in order to continue their dominance in rally racing. Today, finding a rust-free 5.0L SLC has become increasingly difficult. This blue over blue example has stunning curb appeal and retains nearly all of its originality. The unrestricted Euro M117 is a night and day difference over the muted U.S. versions. For true classic touring, you'd be hard pressed to find a cooler model to do it in. We wouldn't be surprised if the next owner adds some rally lights and finds the nearest dirt road.

Check out the auction for this 500SLC on The MB Market:
https://thembmarket.com/1981-mercedes...