1974 Mercedes-Benz 350 SLC. Oct 08
For many, the Mercedes SL has been the premier model 'Benz to own since the first appearance of the now iconic 300SL 'Gullwing' in 1954. While that model is out of reach for most of us, the popularity and longevity of the SL/SLC lineage means there's a model to suit just about every taste and budget.
But getting back to the whole 'weight' thing, as most of you probably know, SL stands for Sport Leicht (Sport Light), and the early coupes certainly lived up to that badge.
However, as the engine got progressively bigger, so too did the number of luxury appointments, and thus, weight.
Compared with the outgoing 280SL from 1971, the 350SLC adds almost 300 extra kgs of beef, although this is offset by the 3.5lt V8 replacing the outgoing 2.8lt inline six.
After a three year hiatus, the six did return, for those who favoured the 280 SL's slightly better handling over the 350 SL's superior power and top speed.
In this country, the 350 appears to be the more popular choice among the SL coupés of the period, not surprising considering our V8 culture, and this example is certainly one of the better ones I've seen for some time.
A one family-owned, Queeensland car from new, our feature 350SLC is an Australian-delivered RHD model, with 169,000 kms on the clock.
The condition suggests it has been well looked after throughout its life, and this is backed up with the detailed service history.
The exterior is in extremely good nick, including all the brightwork and colour-matched white caps on the steel wheels.
Inside, it's just as impressive. The front seats have been recovered, but the rest is in very good overall condition. Interestingly, the first owner went 20-odd years without a radio, an AM-FM/stereo cassette only added in 1994. Maybe he preferred to listen to the SLC's V8 do its stuff!
The longer roofline on the SLC means the rear seat space is more than reasonable, definitely not the cramped 2+2 layout you'd expect.
Without the space required for the softop mechanism, the SLC boasts increased boot space, too - 20% more than the SL, in fact.
The drive is as smooth as you'd expect, the 200bhp V8, 4 spd auto, independent front & rear suspension (which was redesigned for the 1974 models) and disc brakes all round able to handle long highway blasts as easily as they do the twisty bends.
Normally in these pages, my erstwhile colleague, Trevor West, and I are trying to highlight one car each for your consideration, but in light of this month's other Editor's Choice piece, I think we should be offering two. Why? Well, most people want an 'A to B' car for the week, and something special for the weekends, right? This month's combo of features fits the bill perfectly - the frugal, comfortable C250D for the daily commute, and the 350 SLC for weekend cruising in smooth coupé-style.
Save the whole "is-this-car-still-worthy-of-the-SportLight-badge?" question for one of those reflective moments. In the meantime, try a test drive of our feature SLC. Light may not be light, but it's defnitely alright!
Mike Ryan
WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & HOW MUCH
Model: Mercedes-Benz 350 SLC
Year: 1974
Dealer: Classic Car Garage
4 Austin Street
Newstead, QLD, 4006
Ph: (07) 3252 4045
Price: $11,990
0-100 kph: Just under 9 seconds
Best point: top condition
Worst point: not an SL convertible
Recommendation: Hard to beat for affordability, desirability & drivability
Trivia: During their development, 350SLs acquired the internal company nickname of "Panzerwagon" ie. they were built like tanks! The moniker was soon picked up by owners who appreciated the 350 & later 380 SL's strength and durability.
