Though few people remember this today, Mercedes-Benz achieved some success in the World Rally Championship at the end of the 1970s and beginning of the 1980s. Racing purpose-built 500SLCs in 1980, the team amassed enough points to finish fourth in the WRC manufacturer’s standings, but ended its program in advance of the 1981 season. To compete in the WRC, Mercedes had to build road cars for homologation, and it’s believed that less than 100 examples were officially imported into the United States, with a few more finding their way here via the gray market. As with all homologation SLCs, this 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500SLC, for sale on Hemmings.com, has a factory rear spoiler and front air dam, and comes with weight-saving aluminum components like the hood, trunk and 5.0-liter engine block. Somewhere along the line the car’s original wheels were swapped for aftermarket BBS wheels, the suspension was lowered and Recaro seats (dyed to match the interior) were added, but these changes are easy enough for a detail-obsessed buyer to address. Interesting enough as a rare Mercedes coupe, the car’s nearly forgotten (but still significant) racing heritage certainly adds to its appeal. From the seller’s description:
1980 Mercedes-Benz 500SLC Euro, Very rare (1 of 1300) version of the SLC. This was a factory homologated version used to support Mercedes in the world rally championship. Never officially sold in the US…even fewer legal in CA. Google search to find out more about the unique features of this this model. This car is in excellent drivers condition. Sun roof, power windows, automatic climate control, leather options. It has several modifications to support non-competitive rallying. Period correct 16″ BBS wheels, recaro seating (dyed to match), lowered suspension, exhaust etc. Recent mechanical service included, plugs, wires, cap/rotor, oil/filter, radiator re-cored, motor mounts, bushings etc. Very fast and reliable
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