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.