A striking 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC modified in-period by the famed German tuning house Koenig Specials has appeared for sale on eBay, offering buyers a rare surviving example of one of the boldest eras in European customization. The seller, based in Fort Lauderdale, is asking $49,000 for the coupe, which wears the dramatic wide-body treatment that defined Koenig’s wildest creations in the 1970s and 1980s.
Koenig Specials earned its reputation under the direction of racing driver and entrepreneur Willy König, whose approach to car modification pushed far beyond cosmetic tweaks. The firm became known for outrageous visual and mechanical transformations of high-end European cars, producing everything from 1,000-horsepower twin-turbo Ferraris to near-200-mph Porsche 911 Turbos. König’s work was influential enough that Ferrari reportedly insisted any Koenig-modified Ferraris be stripped of their factory badging.
This particular 450 SLC reflects the flamboyant early period of the tuner’s output. The car features expansive fender flares, deep spoilers and Testarossa-style side strakes, all hallmarks of Koenig’s signature wide-body designs. Gold-center BBS wheels widen the stance even further, reinforcing the exaggerated styling that set Koenig Specials apart long before modern tuning houses like Mansory or Liberty Walk entered the scene.
Inside, the cabin is upholstered in bright red leather and fitted with a KS-branded Italvolanti steering wheel. Persian-style floor mats add an unexpected decorative touch, though their originality is unclear. The engine bay retains much of its factory appearance aside from cosmetic chrome pieces. The car’s original 4.5-liter M117 V8, rated at 222 horsepower when new, remains in place without evidence of Koenig’s more extreme mechanical upgrades.
The listing mentions an appearance in a German drama titled “In Namen des Vaters,” though this detail remains unverified. The title is also the German release name for the unrelated Irish/British film In the Name of the Father, leading to uncertainty about whether the claim reflects an obscure production or a misunderstanding.
Koenig Specials began commercial operations in 1977 after König spent several years building one-off creations privately. Despite their polarizing styling, the company’s builds are now sought after by niche collectors drawn to their rarity and the audacity of König’s designs. Surviving cars from the period rarely surface in complete, running condition, making this SLC an unusual find.
With its bold proportions, intact period bodywork and four-decade legacy from a tuner that helped redefine the boundaries of customization, the 1973 Koenig-modified 450 SLC stands as a vivid snapshot of a uniquely experimental chapter in automotive history.
Via eBay
