Mercedes Rallyewagen

Mercedes surprised the rally world in 1977 with the announcement of the 450 SLC. Built to homologate the 450 SL for the 1978 World Rally Championship, the car was powered by a new all-aluminium 5.0-litre V8. The special body featured weight-saving alloy bonnet and boot panels, with the rally car developed by the renowned engineer, Dr Erich Waxenberger. Mercedes built 19 examples exclusively for use in international rallying, with only seven badged as an 450 SLC 5.0, each equipped with a specially developed automatic gearbox.

This example was fitted with a special development engine, supplementary cooling systems for oil and coolant, and a clever radiator that served as a grille to protect the power steering system from debris.

The car made its competition debut at the 1979 Bandama Rally Côte D’Ivoire as part of a four-car Works entry. Numbered “4”, the 450 SLC 5.0 was driven by rally ace Björn Waldegård and Hans Thorszelius, who battled throughout the five-day event to place 2nd in a historic Mercedes-Benz 1-2-3-4 finish. The manufacturer became the first to win a WRC rally with V8 power, and the first to do so with an automatic transmission. The car’s next outing was the 1980 Marlboro Safari Rally in Kenya. Piloted by Vic Preston Jr and John Lyall, a storming performance had the pair finish 3rd in the desert.

This 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC 5.0 'Rallyewagen' is available as part of RM Sotheby’s Paris auction on the 1st February 2023. Photos © Keno Zache / RM Sotheby's