Highly desirable model, featuring the gargantuan 6.9-litre V8 engine
Nicely preserved and well presented inside and out
The Appeal
When filmmaker Claude Lelouch needed a car to drive at breakneck speeds though the Parisian streets with a heavy film camera strapped to the radiator grille, there was only one vehicle up to the task… The W116 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL was the fastest luxury four-door saloon of its day, with a simply enormous 6.9-litre V8 under the bonnet and crucially for Lelouch.
We’re excited to be offering this 1975 example that’s spent most of its life in Switzerland, before being imported to Italy in 2008. Nicely preserved inside, out and underneath, this is a very usable example that’s eminently presentable too. The vendor informs us that it is mechanically very sound and driving immensely well following an overhaul of the complex suspension system in 2021.
To us, the 450 SEL 6.9 is one of Mercedes-Benz’s most accomplished creations. Here we have a fantastic example, so don’t miss the chance to add it to your collection.20230428_192804.jpg4.84 MB
The History and Paperwork
First registered in Switzerland
Imported to Italy in 2008 where it is now registered
Not much is known of this Mercedes-Benz’s history
184,161 kilometres indicated on the odometer
The vendor assured us that the car has been regularly maintained
We’re informed that the suspension was overhauled in 2021
While this car certainly doesn’t lack in performance, the interior is all about luxury - a juxtaposition we really enjoy and feel is sometimes lost in many of today’s fast saloons.
All looks to be very original and well cared for, with little wear for a car of this age. The pale leather upholstery all presents nicely with just some slight patina accrued over the years. The carpeting does not appear excessively marked and there’s not much wear to be seen either. We couldn’t make out any noticeable blemishes to the headlining, or any signs of water ingress from the electric sunroof.
The vendor points out the all-round electric windows, a rare sight on this model. The dashboard presents nicely, with no obvious damage or modification apparent. We note there is no radio currently fitted, so there’s an open space in the centre console. The instrumentation and switchgear looks in good order and the vendor doesn’t report any faults.
The Exterior
Thistle Green paintwork
OEM alloy wheels
Very sound bodywork and smart paint
This is an immensely tidy example and the first thing we notice is how good the bodywork looks to be. The car is really straight down the sides and we didn’t spot any dents or ripples in any of the flat panels. The vendor remarks that the body is “excellent” and adds that they’re not aware of any imperfections. The paintwork presents beautifully too, with a seemingly even coat and lustrous shine.
Besides a small imperfection we saw on the rear bumper, all the brightwork looks really nice, with no deterioration or clear signs of damage. It sits upon period correct OEM alloys which don’t display any notable marks. The vendor informs us that the car’s underside is really clean, with no corrosion apparently present. We note parts of the front valance have been painted with an anti anti-chip finish, but elsewhere the paintwork looks to have been completed to factory specification.
The Mechanics
6.9-litre M100 V8 engine
Three-speed automatic gearbox
What makes the 450 SEL really special is what lies beneath the skin…
The 6.9-litre V8 engine was capable of propelling it to speeds nearing 150 mph, making it the fastest saloon of its day. Meanwhile, the suspension system ensured the car remained stable and comfortable at high speeds, with a three-speed automatic transmission managing changes.
The vendor assures us that there is no work needing to be completed on this example as it is entirely ready to use. The complex suspension system reportedly works well following an overhaul in 2021 and there are apparently no other issues to report.
Summary
We simply adore 450 SELs and they’re a car every petrolhead should experience at some point.
This is a smart and seemingly well sorted example which we’d love to make our own.
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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