Yesterday Paul wrote up a rare 1990 Mercedes-Benz 560SE; for the W116 and W126, the short wheel base cars almost seem to be a bit odd. The long lines of the S-Class, especially in the case of the W126, seem normal with those long back windows. But for me, the W116 almost looks a little out of proportion in “L” guise. In part that’s helped when you delete the large bumpers that most U.S. bound examples had – in original Euro configuration, it looks much better in my mind. But drop the wheelbase to the “SE” version and the W116 just looks right to me. This ’73 example is a great case in point, with period green over green leather and Bundt alloys:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SE on eBay
Year: 1973
Model: 450SE
Engine: 4.5 liter V8
Transmission: 3-speed automatic
Mileage: 190,000 mi
Price: No Reserve Auction
1973 Mercedes Benz 450SE
Here is what wikipedia had to say about the Mercedes Benz 450SE, also known as the W116.
The Mercedes-Benz W116 is a series of flagship vehicles produced from September 1972[2] until 1979. The W116 automobiles were the first Mercedes-Benz models to be officially called S-Class, although earlier sedan models had already unofficially been designated with the letter ‘S’ – for Sonderklasse or “special class.”
The ‘new’ S-class generation development began in 1966, which was only a year after the launch of the W108/09. This was the first Mercedes saloon to feature the brand new corporate styling theme which was to be continued until 1993 when the 190 was discontinued. The design, finalized in 1969 (frozen in 1970) was a dramatic leap forward, with more masculine lines that combined to create an elegant and sporty character. The basic design concept was actually inspired from the R107 SL-Class roadster, especially the front and rear lights.
The W116 S-Class incorporated a broad variety of Mercedes-Benz safety innovations.
Strengthened body structure. The W116 featured a more stable security passenger cell with a stiffened roof frame structure. High strength roof and door pillars, along with other reinforced zones, provided enhanced vehicle occupant protection.
A padded dashboard, deformable switches and controls, and a four-spoke steering wheel with impact absorber and broad impact cushion aimed to reduce occupant injury during collisions.
The fuel tank was no longer fitted at the rear end, but was now placed above the rear axle for added protection.
Wraparound turn signals made it easier to communicate with nearby drivers.
To many collectors, the W116 is known as the last great Chrome Bumper S-Class Mercedes Benz.This particular car has spent all of its life in sunny southern California and still has all of its original sheet metal. The car still wears 90 percent of its original paint, the right rear quarter and a portion of the right rear door, were resprayed at some point of time. We have no history of any accident damage. On the roof there is a small section where the paint is getting thin and worn through.
The car is an early delivery date into the United States, 1973 was the first year that the 450SE was sold in the US, it was also the only model year with European Style Bumpers.
The car recently received an extensive mechanical refurbishment. The timing chain and tensioner was replaced. The entire front suspension was rebuild. Including ball joints, shocks absorbers, tie rods, center link and a new steering shock. The brakes were also refurbished with new rotors, brake pads and rebuilt calipers. The tires are brand new. The rims were blasted and powdercoated for a durable finish.
The car runs and drives excellent. Any question, feel free to call Brian at 1-435-229-5423, Pacific Standard Time
We will gladly work with any local vehicle inspection service of your choice.
The interior shows its age, the dashboard has cracks, so does the drivers side door panel and the rear seat has lost some of its shape due to the padding being old and dried out from the southern California climate. Considering its age and its location, the car was very taken care of and must have spent most of its life parked indoors.
Short video of a casual drive.More detailed pictures;
http://1drv.ms/1yWdhYI
Unlike Paul’s 1990 model, there were a lot of the W116 450SEs built – almost as many as their long-wheel base variants. The actual color isn’t listed, but appears to be DB862 – Stone Pine Green Metallic – but it’s a bit hard to tell from the photos, where it looks more flat green than metallic. Perhaps someone who’s better with 1970s Mercedes-Benz colors can chime in. Condition overall appears to be pretty good – there’s a paint issue on the roof and the dash is cracked, but overall the car appears to be well above average for a 42 year old Mercedes-Benz. Outside of some low mileage examples of the 6.9, the W116 is overall a very affordable classic Benz sedan and bidding has been pretty low with the reserve still on. It’s hard to guess what the seller may want for this pretty period piece of Mercedes history, but I’d guess the number that buys it would remain under $10,000 – probably in the $7,000 – $8,000 range. As Paul said, these short wheel base variations of the S-Class are a good way to stand out from the normal.
-Carter
