This legendary Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC Rally automobile has a outstanding journey from historic victories to its upcoming public sale.
The Delivery of a Rally Icon
Mercedes-Benz shocked the rallying world in 1977 with the revealing of the 450 SLC, designed particularly to homologate the 450 SL for the 1978 World Rally Championship. This groundbreaking car featured a brand new all-aluminum 5.0-liter V-8 engine and a bunch of modifications aimed toward turning it right into a formidable rally competitor.
A Triumph on the Rally Stage
Chassis 836, accomplished on September 26, 1979, turned a pivotal a part of Mercedes-Benz’s rally efforts. Piloted by Björn Waldegård and Hans Thorszelius, it secured a historic second-place end within the 1979 Bandama Rally Côte D’Ivoire, contributing to Mercedes-Benz’s landmark 1-2-3-4 end. Notably, it was the primary rally automobile to win with a V-8 engine and an computerized transmission.
Evolution on the Observe
Following its success within the Bandama Rally, chassis 836 continued to make waves within the rallying world. It participated within the 1980 Marlboro Safari Rally in Kenya, the place it achieved a powerful third-place end. Later, it served as a coaching automobile in Argentina earlier than being offered to Belgian race group proprietor Serge Beankens, referred to as Serge Energy, in 1982.
From Rallying to Endurance Racing
Beneath the possession of Serge Energy, the automobile underwent modifications for endurance racing, together with the alternative of its aluminum engine with a extra dependable metal variant. It competed in prestigious occasions just like the 24 Hours of Spa, demonstrating its versatility and sturdiness on the monitor.
A Return to Glory
In 1984, the automobile was offered to Dr. Peter Lorenz, who restored it to its authentic 1979 Bandama Rally specification, full with its iconic livery. Since then, it has been meticulously maintained and documented, incomes recognition in quite a few publications and even that includes in Tazio Journal.
Public sale and Legacy
Now, this historic rally automobile is ready to be auctioned at RM Sotheby’s Monaco Public sale, providing lovers and collectors a uncommon alternative to personal a bit of rallying historical past. With its spectacular monitor document and well-documented provenance, chassis 836 represents not only a automobile, however a logo of endurance, innovation, and the golden age of rallying.
Preserving a Racing Legend
The 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC 5.0 Rallyewagen is about as cool because it comes on the earth of Mercedes motorsports. Its journey from the rally stage to endurance racing showcases the enduring legacy of a real racing icon, guaranteeing its place within the annals of motorsport historical past for generations to come back.
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