Last week I checked out a 1978 350SE that was chock-full of little goodies but didn’t really past muster as a good buy. Today we have another W116 that seems to check all the boxes of of what a proper 1970’s S-Class should bring to the table as a nice driver and possible collector car. Located in Switzerland, the black paint is only the tip of the iceberg as to what this 450SEL offers. So let’s check out this blood-red big Benz.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL at Küng Classics
Year:Â 1973
Model: 450SEL
Engine:Â 4.5 liter V8
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage: 86,000 km (53,437 mi)
Price:Â CHF: 39500 ($40,548)
*Translated (poorly) from German*
“Life is too short for ugly, small plastic cars” was recently the line in the magazine about “classic cars”. Since such a 116er’s really something else! Especially if it is black / red is a like this, truly exceptionally well preserved specimen in the glorious 70s color combo. A long version secondhand, guaranteed only 86,000 km run and equipped with automatic and sliding the next exit is therefore nothing in the way!
Let’s get to the point on this car and head straight for the interior. The blood red carpet, seats and doors are all wonderful. Judging by the condition of the carpets, it’s pretty clear that everything is new. MB Tex and the carpets hold up pretty well in the W116, but not at 53,000 miles looking brand new. The color isn’t the only interior thing of note at this is a rare column shift car. Just to top it off, the wood is the great Ebony Macassar that has a darker finish compared to what you normally see in Burl or Zebrano. Under the hood the K-Jet M117 V8 looks great and I even spy a metal coolant overflow tank that is coveted by the W116 crowd. Outside the black paint is nearly spotless and it’s something to note that you rarely see a black W116 anymore.
The price of over $40,000 is probably really high seeing you can snag a nice 450 for around $5,000 and numerous 6.9’s for under $10,000. But I guess when you have a unique a car as this one you start really high and see what happens. I’m not exactly up to date on the Swiss car market but seeing as this same dealer is asking over $30,000 for a standard R129 SL320 I’m guessing their prices are a little inflated.
– Andrew
Is it just me or is that battery huge?
Looks like the same trunk mounted battery in 400/500e….
Not totally familiar with euro spec cars but I believe all 450SELs had leather interiors. That appears to be the case here.
Not all 450sel came with leather. Luxurious (for the time) velour was a popular seat covering.
Looking at the rear seat, this car has leather which was an option, as was velour. Cloth would have been standard.
The engine is D-Jet, and from the patina I’m guessing that interior could very well be all original. As for the condition, it all about the person who owns and cares for it. I have a similar car with over 150k miles and could easily pass for factory new. Then again I am a fanatic with a capital “F”….
The engine is D-Jet, and from the patina I’m guessing that interior could very well be all original. As for the condition, its all about the person who owns and cares for it. I have a similar car with over 150k miles and could easily pass for factory new. Then again I am a fanatic with a capital “Fâ€â€¦.