1980 Mercedes 450SEL 6.9

Vehicle Description

1980 MERCEDES-BENZ 450SEL 6.9
Exceptional Restoration

DATE OF MANUFACTURE: 1980 | COLOUR: Anthracite Gray Metallic DB172 | INTERIOR TRIM: Black Leather | PRICE: SOLD

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO OFFER THIS EXCEPTIONAL & COLLECTABLE FULLY RESTORED MERCEDES-BENZ 450SEL 6.9 WITH LOW NUMBER OF OWNERS & LOW MILEAGE HAVING IN EXCESS OF £200,000 RESTORATION COST IN HAND OF OUR EXPERT, PARRY CHANA.

THIS MOTOR VEHICLE

Delivered new by S. G. Smith Mercedes-Benz agents in South London UK to its first owner in 1980 in the desirable European specification, right hand drive with an enviable list of options & standard specifications, unmatched by any other marque of that era. Since new cherished & well cared for in exceptional condition when purchased by Parry Chana for its current owner who nevertheless commissioned a full component off restoration to achieve the best restored example retaining its originality & completed 5 years ago.

The restoration was so complete that every major sub assembly was stripped & fully rebuilt. This included without exception the engine, transmission, fuel injection system, front axle, sub-frame, rear axle & the hugely complex hydro-pneumatic suspension which these cars are so well known for. A no expense spared restoration included procuring parts that were either new old stock or the last available items at Mercedes-Benz & the Classic Centre in Germany & USA. The final specification to the client’s requirements included refurbishing a set of original & period AMG five spoke alloy wheels which give the car an exceptional elegance with a sporty look to suit the massive 6.9 litre V8 powered engine’s performance.

Final run down miles completed in the expert hands of Parry Chana & post restoration miles done by its Hong Kong owner. A well sorted, tried & tested vehicle in exceptional condition. It is now ready to be purchased by a new owner to add to its existing history.

Remarkable list of options & standard specifications of its era included:



• 6.9 litre V8 engine
• Electronic ignition
• Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection system
• Hydropneumatic suspension • Air conditioning
• Automatic transmission
• ZF limited slip differential • Power steering
• Cruise Control
• Electric windows
• Electric Sunroof
• Central locking
• Alloy wheels
(original wheels available with vehicle)
• Metallic Paint
• Black leather seats
• Wooden dash

MODEL HISTORY

The launch of a unique model from Mercedes-Benz, the 450SEL 6.9 W116 series was a bold move. The strategists took a risk, & in May 1975 presented it to the public, who were instantly intrigued by the car & its features.

The quality of the 450SEL 6.9 was its refinement at the highest level. The car was after all, the noblest representative of the Mercedes-Benz S Class of the 1970s. The interior was fitted out with the discreet luxury of the automotive top league. Exquisite wooden covered dash & leather covered seats (as in this example) were optional extras. For instance, the standard seat covers were made of quality velour. The car was popular amongst customers employing a chauffeur, hence great store was set by the comfort of the rear seats. Optionally available, were electrically adjustable rear seats & reading lamps in the rearmost roof pillars enabling passengers to go through their files on long journeys, or simply to relax. The same level of comfort was lavished on the person at the wheel too, who also benefited from the standard setting ergonomic design of the cockpit we are so used to seeing in modern cars.

All occupants were pampered by the hydropneumatic suspension, a standard feature on this model. Oil was pumped at high pressure in and out of a strut at each corner, as required to meet variations in load. This hydraulic action, combined with a stored supply of nitrogen to effect damping & springing, aided by stiffer front & rear stabilizer bars countered body roll. Body roll in the Rolls Royce & Bentley of that era, caused customers to modify these cars with aftermarket Harvey & Bailey handling kits. A standard feature of the 450SEL 6.9 was the excellent ride & handling achieved by the devoted engineers of the era.

Among the car’s beguiling features were its performance figures. The massive 6.834 litre dry sump M100 V8 engine mated to a 3 speed automatic transmission generated an output of 286 hp (210kw) at 4,250 / min and a maximum torque of 56 mkg at 3,000/min, providing the car with top-notch sports car performance. The sedan accelerated from standstill to 100 km in 7.4 seconds and had an official top speed of 225 km/h (139.9 m/h).

WARRANTY & FINANCE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.

Please enquire as this is a unique Classic Mercedes not to be confused with anything else in the market.

It is available for viewing in the UK on an appointment basis & would suit a collector with whom this vehicle will represent a good acquisition opportunity.