The new edition of Germany's renowned No. 1 saloon came into the limelight in 1972: with the Mercedes-Benz of the 116 model series, the term "S-Class" was launched for the first time. Compared to the predecessor W 108/W 109, numerous improvements, especially in the area of safety, as well as a completely new design were the focus of the development work. The entry-level model had the 2.8-liter in-line six-cylinder, the top model of the series was (in addition to the 450 SEL 6.9) the 450 with V8 engine. Throughout its entire production period, the new S-Class set standards, and no other touring saloon could compete with these vehicles.

A Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL from the 116 model series is sold in this auction as a long version. The S-Class offered here is a year of construction 1975, the car was first registered in Spain – a total of 3 owners are known to the seller to the vehicle with the chassis number 11603312040185. A history is given by means of a partially kept checkbook. The 450 SEL already has an H-approval, the TÜV runs until July 2024, the so-called matching numbers are assumed.

Safety shapes the design, the 450 SEL looks massive with large lights, a lot of chrome emphasizes the Mercedes elegance. As a paint color, this Mercedes-Benz wears a silver color, over the years, according to statements of the seller, a complete repainting has already taken place – when this was carried out, the current holder can not say. External defects are the imperfect trim strips, small paint bubbles on the fender and somewhat used bumpers. On the whole, the body of the W116 is in good condition with little age-appropriate traces of use. Modifications to the exterior of this unrestored 450 SEL are not to be enumerated, an accident in the current holding period can be ruled out by the seller.

Original alloy rims are mounted together with tires, which according to the seller have a condition of 70-90%. In terms of braking, there are no defects to complain about and no modifications or damage to the chassis are visible.

Blue leather seats can be found in the interior of the 450 SEL: the current owner mentions that the interior is almost still original and has almost a perfect condition with only minimal traces of patina. Small damage can be seen in the leather cover on the edges – but these little things are recorded in detail in the picture gallery. The 450 SEL is equipped with a sunroof, power steering, central locking, power windows and air conditioning. With the exception of a non-functioning daily odometer, all control elements such as switches, levers and buttons can be attested to a problem-free function.

On the speedometer are read 166,000 kilometers, the total mileage of the Mercedes W116 can be almost traced by an existing checkbook – which is partially stamped.

The V8 engine with 4.5-liter displacement provides an output of 225 hp, via a 3-speed automatic transmission, the power is passed on to the rear wheels. The seller states that currently about 5,000 € is invested in the technology and a last service has been completed in December 2021. Recently, the current owner was on holiday with this 450 SEL – on the 4,300-kilometer journey, the sedan did not cause any problems.

Given the age of the vehicle, the underbody of the Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL is in clean condition. Among automotive historians, the 116 model series is regarded as a milestone in the history of Mercedes-Benz. A large eight-cylinder engine, plenty of space in the interior and high prestige still make for amazed faces today – even if the exterior is classically kept in silver, as in this 450 SEL offered here. The well-groomed and unrestored vehicle condition of this Mercedes-Benz leaves a positive and characterful impression even on a short drive.