- Car Location: Florida
- 71,650 miles
- Complete tune up recently done
- Oil change
- Leather in great condition
- Tires in good condition
Since 1954, Mercedes-Benz has been producing their Sonderklasse, or Special Class. This is the model that we know of as the S-Class, a model that has redefined the standards for luxury cars and has been first to market with a variety of automotive technologies that are commonplace on today’s cars. What we have here is a 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL from the W116 generation, which was the first generation to bear the hallowed ‘S’ designation. Coming to you from Florida with 71,650 miles on the odometer, it’s an ideal opportunity to own a piece of Mercedes-Benz history, as well as a model from the series that was voted European Car of the Year in 1974. A total of 59,578 450 SELs were produced over an eight-year production run.
Exterior and Interior
The design penned by Friedrich Geiger set the standard for many a Seventies Mercedes-Benz model and this 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL perfectly showcases those lines and curves in a simple white paint job. Period-correct wheels are wrapped in tires that are reportedly in good condition, and the car shows off the US-market mandated larger bumpers and four individual headlamps. The ‘L’ designation marks it out as a long-wheelbase variant, which comes in at a significant 210 inches in length for the US market model with elongated bumpers. The tan interior is a lesson in simplicity when a myriad of buttons and touch-screen systems with umpteen functions were not even heard of. The driver is facing three main dial clusters featuring clear and easy-to-read analog dials communicating revs, speed, fuel level, and other important information. Wood trim adorns the dash and center console, which also plays host to the climate control system and radio cassette. The rear seat occupants do not have any tech toys to play with unlike in a 2021 S-Class but are given plenty of space, light, and airiness to enjoy. Furthermore, the leather interior is reported to be in great condition.
Engine
The W116 generation came with a myriad of six and eight cylinder gasoline engines, as well as a single five-cylinder turbodiesel option. This 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL is powered by the German automaker’s M117 4.5liter two-valve V8 engine with Bosch-K Jetronic fuel injection. Whilst the engine produced 222hp and 278lb-ft for the European market, US-market cars got only 190hp and 240lb-ft thanks to the more stringent emissions regulations. The zero to sixty sprint took around nine and a half seconds with a top speed just north of 125mph. This example has reportedly received a recent oil change and complete tune-up.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has its roots from way back in 1954. Back then, it wasn’t called an S-Class; the S moniker came with the W116 generation of 1972. Produced for eight years, the W116 would be made as a four-door full-size luxury sedan. Interestingly, North America was a key market for the W116, which explains how this 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL Sedan came to be here. Up for sale with 40,289 miles on the odometer, this car comes with service records, plus its original manuals. It’s also got some new mechanical components to keep it running like it should.
Mercedes-Benz' S-Class has built up a hard-won reputation as the pinnacle full-size luxury sedan over a production run that has its roots in 1951. This particular 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL is one fine example, as it's reportedly been in the same family for all its life. Racking up a healthy 173,121 miles, you'd be hard-pressed to tell; that's how well it's been cared for. Moreover, the car has undergone some refurbishment and restoration work to help keep it as fresh as possible. If you choose to buy this car, you'll be making a very smart decision that your head, as well as your heart, will approve of.
Since 1954, Mercedes-Benz has been producing their Sonderklasse, or Special Class. This is the model that we know of as the S-Class, a model that has redefined the standards for luxury cars and has been first to market with a variety of automotive technologies that are commonplace on today’s cars. What we have here is a 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL from the W116 generation, which was the first generation to bear the hallowed ‘S’ designation. Coming to you from Florida with 71,650 miles on the odometer, it’s an ideal opportunity to own a piece of Mercedes-Benz history, as well as a model from the series that was voted European Car of the Year in 1974. A total of 59,578 450 SELs were produced over an eight-year production run.
The 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL comes from the early years of the R107 generation, a period when Mercedes-Benz was still establishing the naming conventions that would define the model in the U.S. market. Showing approximately 106,842 miles, this example is finished in red over a Parchment interior and features both a removable hardtop and convertible soft top. One of the more interesting details is the 350 SL badging paired with the 4.5L V8 specification. Early U.S.-market R107s were sold with 350 SL badging despite using the larger 4.5L V8, before Mercedes-Benz transitioned the U.S. designation to 450 SL. That makes the badging part of the car’s period character rather than simply a mismatch.
The 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL represents the final and most developed era of the long-running R107 roadster, combining classic Mercedes-Benz styling with V8 power and open-top grand touring appeal. Showing approximately 90,617 miles, this example is finished in Astral Silver Metallic over Royal Blue leather and is equipped with both a Dark Blue convertible soft top and a removable body-color hardtop. Features such as 15-inch Gullideckel alloy wheels, automatic climate control, cruise control, power accessories, and period aftermarket equipment including a cellular car phone and Alpine audio head unit give this 560 SL a distinctive blend of factory luxury and late-1980s character.
This 1999 Mercedes-Benz G 320 is a particularly appealing short-wheelbase W463, combining the compact proportions enthusiasts seek with a thoughtful mix of original Mercedes-Benz hardware and later upgrades. Showing approximately 50,797 actual miles, this European-import example is finished in Tanzanite Blue Metallic over a reupholstered tan leather interior. Its 3.2L naturally aspirated M112 V6, 5-speed automatic, and 4WD preserve the classic G-Class mechanical character, while later OEM Mercedes-Benz body components, Bilstein shocks, modern lighting, upgraded audio, and smartphone connectivity make it considerably easier to enjoy today.
Terms of Service
Be Kind and Courteous
We're here to create a platform to better the automotive industry through communication and transparency. Please treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required.
No Hate Speech
Make sure everyone feels safe. Hate speech of any kind is strictly prohibited. Degrading comments about things like race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, etc. will not be tolerated.
No Promotions or Spam
Give more than you take. Self-promotion, spam, or links of any kind are not allowed.
