1978 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC

The Mercedes-Benz 450SLC is unusual in that a version was made as a homologation special to compete in the marathon rallies which were popular from the late 1960s to the late 1970s. Unlike modern rallies, where the leading cars are redesigned and rebuilt to Formula One standards, these marathons imposed strict regulations on the entrants and, consequently, the cars were recognizably close to showroom specification, give or take additional safety measures. In 1978, a 450SLC, driven by Andrew Cowan and Colin Makin, won a grueling 18,000-mile marathon which covered almost all South American countries.

The 450 SLC was a full four-seat coupe, a 450SL with a longer wheelbase but with only a slight increase in weight. It therefore offered the buyer with a family all the dynamics and performance of a regular 450SL sports car while having presence in any environment, from a business meeting to a night on the town.

This car has been owned by a...