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    AutoHunter Spotlight: 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC

    Many people lump the coupe version of the Mercedes-Benz R107 series cars in with the 450SL roadsters. The two cars look the same, so they must drive and feel the same, right? Well, having driven the roadster and the coupe, I can confidently say these are very different. Both are of the absolute highest quality, but the coupe version of the SL edges the roadster just a bit. No, the top does not go down, but the addition of the permanently fixed roof, along with a more spacious cabin, makes the SLC something that feels even better than the already excellent SL.

    The SL’s feeling of solidity is somehow magnified in the coupe, and when you combine that with the extra space in the coupe (providing more legroom and headroom), it adds up to the 450SLC being one of the absolute finest sporting GT cars ever built. Sure, the SEC car that replaced it is also world-class, but the coupe feels like a much bigger car than the SLC. That replacement also loses a bit of its classic styling, which has been why I have always preferred the SLC to the SEC.

    Featured on AutoHunter is one of these amazing cars, a 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC. The car is offered by a private seller in Fort Worth, Texas, and the auction will for this car will end Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

    The seller describes this 450SLC as being powered by a rebuilt M117 4.5L V8 mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. This W107, finished in its very 1970s Milan Brown over a Cream leather interior, is being offered by the seller with service records and a clear title.

    The seller states this SLC has had $103,000 invested in it over the years. Most recently, the engine was rebuilt, and the front suspension and brake system were completely redone.

    The exterior of the car looks to be in very good shape, with only a few minor scratches and tiny dings present. The Milan Brown paint seems in excellent condition overall.

    The interior features the original Parchment leather, which appears to be in great shape. The carpets, door cards and dash all look to be in excellent condition as well. The only departures from original are a leather wrap for the steering wheel and a modern radio.

    Lifting the hood does not show anything alarming, though the car is due for a detailing and, when doing that, I would also recommend replacing the under-hood pad.

    While Mercedes SLC cars have been underappreciated by collectors for a very long time, younger collectors seem to have figured out what the SLC is about and, and as a result, prices are now slowly creeping up. When new, these were the most expensive new Mercedes-Benz cars you could buy, costing $26,000 in 1976. For now, they remain relative bargains, but good examples—as this one appears to be—are difficult to find.

    The auction for this 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC ends on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

    Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

    Pick of the Day: 1973 Citroen SM

    It’s like a joke that wrote itself: an Italian and a Frenchman walk in a bar . . . and then they emerge with a car they designed themselves. A recipe for disaster? Depends on how you look at it, but that car is our Pick of the Day, a 1973 Citroen SM. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Newport Beach, California.

    My favorite Matchbox diecast was a blue and red Citroen SM. I don’t know what it was about that model, but I thought it looked cool. I had never seen one in the flesh as a kid, though I had seen one on the cover of a book that was on display at Woolworth’s. The front end looked like nothing I had ever seen before, though I didn’t recognize there were six headlights instead of four.

    As my parents are originally from Argentina, I was able to see Citroens in person, though the bulk were 2CVs and Ami 8s—quite the antithesis of the SM. Yet I was also taken by those utilitarian models, and I cannot explain why. Was it the unusual shifter? At least with the Ami 8, I know that I really dug the European halogens, a common theme among other cars that captured my interest when I was a kid. Over time, I became aware of the GS and CX, both of which had what I thought were good looks and a nifty instrument panel with a rotating barrel speedometer like (I’d later discover) you’d find on a first-gen Oldsmobile Toronado.

    Then, randomly, when I was around 10, I unexpectedly caught sight of my first SM at the Wanamaker’s store in Wilmington (of all places). My mom passed it and I thought, “Wait a minute—isn’t that a Citroen?” I asked her to back up and, lo and behold, here was my dream car. It featured U.S.-spec sealed-beam headlights, which was a new (and disappointing) revelation to me. I also didn’t find the view from the rear too engaging, lacking the grace of the front-end. Never did I see this car again, but I did catch a sighting of a “proper” SM in the streets of Paris when I was in high school.

    During my adolescence, I didn’t understand the unique history of the SM, such as Citroen’s partial acquisition of Maserati, the development of a French GT with a Maserati V6, and front-wheel drive. The marriage of Italian and French engineering sounded like a disaster but, if properly maintained, worked fine. The problem was properly maintaining it. Unless you lived somewhere where Citroen were relatively popular, like the West Coast, it was a difficult proposition. For such an interesting, stylish car, disrepair was not an uncommon occurrence, as evidenced by the SM I saw resting on its haunches on the side of the road in Boulder, Colorado around 1996. Sure, this position was common when parked, but chances are the suspension needed a new breath of life in order to rise for the occasion of getting to Point B.

    With the advent of impending safety and emissions standards, combined with the first oil crisis and financial difficulties for Citroen, the SM had trouble surviving though managed to last for five model years. Out of 12,924 built, approximately 2,007 were sold in North America, which is impressive considering the brand never really gained traction in the U.S. This Or de Simiane (Simian Gold) 1973 Citroen SM is one of those. It’s not uncommon for U.S.-spec cars to have had their headlights converted to the Euro halogen system by enthusiasts, but this one’s original system remains intact, showing off the fixed sealed-beam illumination without the aero lens covers. According to the seller, this one sold new in Beverly Hills for $13,844, which was several thousand dollars more than a Cadillac Eldorado convertible and more in line with a Mercedes-Benz 450SL. “Owned for a few years by Citroen service guru Jerry Hathaway,” says the seller. “Extensive service records, known history, well maintained and refurbished over the past 10-plus years and in wonderful condition inside and out.”

    Most of these came with a five-speed manual, but this one features the Automatique—not a surprise considering its LA origin. An SM that’s sorted out is a wonderful thing and, in real dollars, it would cost a lot more than the $54,800 being asked today.

    Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com

    20 Cars So Overbuilt They Made Their Engineers Regret It

    In the relentless pursuit of perfection, automakers have sometimes gone too far—crafting vehicles so robust, durable, or technically advanced that they became legends of overengineering.
    While these cars dazzled with their quality and longevity, their makers often paid the price: sky-high costs, shrinking profit margins, and unforeseen headaches for mechanics and owners alike.

    Automotive history is filled with stories of cars whose build quality and reliability became their own undoing—outlasting competitors, baffling accountants, and setting standards almost impossible to maintain.

    This list explores 20 of the most overbuilt cars ever made, where the drive for innovation and durability clashed dramatically with business realities and practicality.

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    15 Cars That Were Just Too Good for the Market That Bought Them

    Automotive history is filled with brilliantly engineered cars that seemed destined for greatness, only to be overlooked or misunderstood by the very markets they aimed to impress.
    Some vehicles arrived with technology, luxury, or performance levels far ahead of their era, but the world simply wasn’t ready.

    These cars suffered from being too ambitious, too refined, or simply too expensive for their target audience.
    Whether it was advanced engineering, misunderstood value, or excessive build quality, they failed to ignite sales despite their excellence.

    This article explores 15 remarkable cars that were simply too good for the market that bought them—and what we can learn from their stories.

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    20 Vehicles That Only Real Car Nerds Remember (And Wish They Owned)

    Throughout automotive history, countless vehicles have rolled off production lines, but only a select few have truly captivated the imaginations of enthusiasts. Some cars, though overshadowed by mainstream icons, possess a unique charm and innovation that linger in the memories of true car aficionados. From obscure performance machines to experimental oddities, these rare gems have left a mark on automotive culture.
    Embark on a journey through time as we uncover twenty exceptional vehicles that only real car nerds remember—and secretly wish they could call their own.

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    No Reserve: Cadillac 500–Powered 1947 Packard Clipper Club Sedan Project

    This 1947 Packard Clipper club sedan is a running-and-driving project that was fitted with a Cadillac-sourced 500ci V8 linked to a Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic transmission under prior ownership, and it was purchased by the seller in 2022. The car has been repainted in green with white accents, and the unfinished interior has bench seats. The underpinnings of the front end originated on a 1980s Chevrolet Blazer, including disc brakes and power steering, while the rear end is a stock Packard setup with a live axle and drum brakes. An Edelbrock carburetor was installed in 2022, the fuel tank was coated, and the tires were replaced; the car has 20″ front wheels and 15″ rear wheels. Taillights from a 1970s Cadillac have been frenched, the door handles are shaved, and LED headlights are fitted. Other equipment includes fender skirts, an electric trunk release, a replacement circuit board, aftermarket auxiliary gauges, and aftermarket ignition. The seller states that the car runs and drives but the interior is incomplete and further electrical work is required. This custom Packard project is now offered at no reserve with removed and spare parts as well as a California title in the seller’s name.

    The car was repainted in Boxwood Green in 2024, according to the seller. White stripes run along both sides of the vehicle and trail the headlights and the front wheel openings. The front grilles and the front bumper are painted in a shade of metallic bronze. The rear end features frenched and horizontally mounted taillights from a 1970s Cadillac, and the rear bumper has been removed. The door handles are shaved, fender skirts cover the rear wheel openings, and LED headlights with integrated turn signals and running lights are fitted. Other equipment includes headlight visors, door-mounted side mirrors, and a two-piece windshield. The windshield and the rear glass have been replaced. The badges, trim, and windshield wipers have not been reinstalled. A blemish is noted above the passenger-side taillight, and the seller notes runs in the clearcoat.

    Ten-spoke 20″ wheels from TSW Alloy Wheels are positioned at the front of the car and are mounted with 245/35 Linglong Crosswind tires, while steel 15″ wheels found at the rear of the car are wrapped in 215/70 Solar 4XS+ rubber. A pair of 15″ front wheels is included in the sale to help enable loading the vehicle onto a trailer. The seller tells us that the front suspension was adapted from that of a 1980s Chevrolet Blazer and includes power-assisted disc brakes and power steering. The rear suspension remains a factory-style Packard setup with a live axle and drum brakes.

    The split front bench seat and solid rear bench are upholstered in torn blue cloth. The door panels, headliner, carpeting, and other trim have been removed from the interior. The vehicle has been prepared for power windows; the door glass and the passenger-side rear-quarter glass have not been installed but will accompany the vehicle. The circuit board has been replaced, but many circuits—including those for the electric door poppers—are not connected. The car has an electric trunk release.

    An aftermarket wood-rimmed steering wheel sits ahead of a 110-mph speedometer as well as readouts for battery status, fuel level, water temperature, and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer shows 500 miles, and approximately 1k miles have been added under current ownership; true mileage is unknown. A trio of aftermarket auxiliary gauges is stationed beneath the dashboard, and the seller states that those monitoring oil pressure and coolant temperature are operational.

    The Cadillac 500ci V8 is said to have been sourced from a 1973 Coupe DeVille and was installed under previous ownership. Work performed in 2022 involved the following:

    • Install Edelbrock 1406 four-barrel carburetor
    • Replace throttle linkage and cable
    • Replace fuel hoses and filter
    • Clean and coat fuel tank before reinstalling
    • Adjust timing

    Power is routed to the rear wheels through a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic transmission.

    A variety of spare and removed parts will convey with the vehicle.

    The car is titled under the number found on the California-issued tag shown above, which is not affixed to the vehicle itself. The number on the tag—G611809—aligns with Packard’s approach for applying engine numbers to its 1948 Custom Eight models.

    LT4-Powered ’32 Ford Sedan Delivery Street Rod

    This ’32 Ford sedan delivery was built c.2013 at Hot Rods By Dean of Phoenix, Arizona, using a Harwood fiberglass body mounted to a Total Cost Involved frame. Power comes from a fuel-injected 350ci LT4 V8 linked to a 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission and a 9” rear end, and the car rides on a Heidts independent front assembly, rear ladder bars, and adjustable coilovers. The interior is trimmed in beige leather and features a Glide bench seat, woodgrain trim, squareweave carpets, Vintage Air climate control, power windows, a Pioneer CD head unit, a Billet Specialties steering wheel, and Classic Instruments gauges. Chrome bumpers, American Racing 15” wheels, rack-and-pinion steering, and four-wheel disc brakes are among the other highlights. Acquired by the seller in 2022, this custom street rod is now offered with Connecticut registration.

    The Harwood fiberglass body is finished in red with white scallops, and it is mounted to a Total Cost Involved boxed steel frame. Artwork has been added to the side panels, and details include full fenders, louvered hood side panels, running boards, chrome bumpers, and a polished grille insert, headlight buckets, spreader bars, and round side mirrors. Paint blemishes on the fenders are shown up close in the image gallery below.

    American Racing Torq Thrust 15×7” front and 15×8” rear wheels are mounted with 185/70 and 235/75 BFGoodrich tires, respectively. The car rides on adjustable coilovers all around, a Heidts independent front assembly with rack-and-pinion steering, and rear ladders bars with a panhard bar. Braking is handled by four-wheel discs. The ride height was adjusted in 2024.

    The seller states that the cabin was trimmed in beige leather at Hot Rod Interior by Glenn of Glendale, Arizona, and features a Glide bench seat with color-coordinated lap belts joined by squareweave carpets. The dashboard fascia and window trim wear a woodgrain finish, and additional appointments include a Vintage Air climate control system, power windows, ambient lighting, and a Pioneer CD head unit mounted under the seat. The driver’s window seal has fallen into the door, and trim on the steering column is loose.

    The Billet Specialties steering wheel is mounted to a tilt column, and an engine-turned bezel houses Classic instrumentation consisting of a 140-mph speedometer, an 8k-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary gauges. The six-digit odometer shows 3,600 miles, approximately 2k of which have been added under current ownership.

    The upholstery scheme carries over to the cargo area, and dual Optima Red Top batteries are concealed under a removable panel.

    The 350ci LT4 V8 crate engine is equipped with electronic fuel injection, polished valve covers, and a dual exhaust system.

    Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 9” rear end with 3.55:1 gearing.

    The car is registered as a 1932 Ford using the Arizona Assigned Identification Number AZ338460.

    The vehicle is being sold on its registration, which serves as the ownership document in Connecticut. The registration carries an Antique notation. There is currently a lien on the car, and the seller’s lender will need to be paid off before the title can be transferred to the new owner.

    13 Car Features Everyone Misses—And Why They Disappeared

    There’s a special kind of nostalgia that comes from remembering the quirky, clever features that once filled our cars. From the satisfying click of analog buttons to the whir of pop-up headlights, these design elements didn’t just serve a function—they added personality to every drive.
    As automotive technology advanced, many of these beloved features faded away, replaced by sleeker, safer, and more efficient alternatives.
    In this article, we’ll take a journey through 13 car features drivers truly miss—and explore the reasons behind their disappearance.

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    20 Unexpected Sleeper Cars That Outsmarted Supercars

    There’s something undeniably thrilling about a sleeper car—a vehicle that looks humble or even mundane, yet hides jaw-dropping performance under the hood.
    While supercars shout about their speed with flashy styling and roaring engines, sleepers quietly surprise everyone, often humiliating far pricier rivals on the street and even the racetrack.

    These hidden gems prove that you don’t need a six-figure price tag or exotic badge to deliver supercar-beating thrills.
    In this article, we’ll reveal 20 unexpected sleeper cars that have outsmarted some of the world’s most celebrated performance machines.

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    Modern Muscle: 14 Cars Keeping the Spirit Alive

    For decades, muscle cars have been a symbol of power, rebellion, and pure American ingenuity.
    From their roaring V8 engines to their bold, unmistakable designs, these vehicles have captivated car enthusiasts and pop culture alike.
    While the originals of the ’60s and ’70s set the standard, modern engineering has breathed new life into this beloved genre, blending raw performance with contemporary technology.
    Today’s muscle cars honor their legendary roots while pushing boundaries in speed, handling, and style—ensuring the spirit of muscle lives on for a new generation.

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