Mercedes-Benz’ successor to the 300SEL 6.3, in the late 1970’s, this completely original one owner from new 450SEL 6.9 was a $50,000 exercise in going fast in a five passenger 4 door sedan going 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds
Chassis# 116.036-12-003902. Original Silver Exterior w/ Original Navy Blue Leather Interior and Burled Walnut Wood Trim, 6.9 Litre M-100 Cast Iron V-8 Power Plant Engine, 4 Wheel Disc Brakes, Center Console Shift Automatic Transmission, Hydropneumatic Self-Leveling Suspension, Factory Air Conditioning, Electric Sunroof, Power Windows, Heated Front and Rear Seats, Original Tools, Original Owners Manual, 18,942 Miles
The 450SEL 6.9 was built between 1976-1980. In its era the 450SEL 6.9 was considered the ultimate sedan in performance, luxury and quality. With a groundbreaking hydropneumatic suspension the 450SEL handles like a sports car. Car and Driver editor David E Davis stated in 1979 “Despite weighing in at 4200lbs the 450SEL 6.9 handles like a Mini”
The 6.9 was rated at a “Porsche killing” 300 horsepower and 405 lbs of torque. In 1978, Car and Driver Magazine joked in a road test that “The CB antenna blows off at 130mph”. Automotive writer Brock Yates tested a 450SEL in US trim at Road Atlanta where he recorded a top speed of 152 mph and 0-60 sprints in just 6.8 seconds. These were huge performance numbers for a smog-i-fied choked car in the late 1970′s, let alone a luxury sedan.
This one owner from new Mercedes-Benz powerhouse 450 SEL 6.9 is an 18,942 original miles example. It still maintains in stunning original condition its silver paint and navy blue leather interior. Speaking to the originality of this example, one can look to the still present and exceptionally well kept original date coded tires which the car currently sits on today.
The car presents throughout in an exceptional condition cosmetically and is perfect from a mechanical standpoint due to a recent and staggering $65,000 worth of work to make it present (even on the bottom!) and function as new. Work included but was not limited to a complete overhaul of the fuel system, brakes, hydraulic suspension and air conditioning system. This exceptional Mercedes luxury machine is completely original from bow to stern and needs nothing.
