Description In the current ownership for 26 years; 106k miles with 18 service stamps; in need of restoration following a period in storage; engine running recently; private plate included; nice project for someone Launched in 1972, the 450SLC was a big bruiser of a car in the finest Mercedes tradition.

It was in its element charging down the fast lane of the autobahn, scaring the wits out of English tourists by shooting past their weedy Allegros at almost double their maximum speed.

About the only car ever to be adapted from a roadster into a tin-top, it was based on the SL convertible but was stretched 14 inches and had better handling thanks to its stiffer structure.

Indeed it proved just how tough it was by its impressive performance in gruelling long distance rallies, including a win on the South America Rally of 1978 and second place on the East Africa Safari.

The 450SLC was powered by a bomb-proof 4.5-litre V8 that produced 225bhp and 278lb/ft of torque and can still more tha...