1979 Mercedes-Benz (W116) 450 SEL 4.5

The Mercedes-Benz W116 range was produced between 1972 and 1980 and the first model to officially carry S-Class nomenclature, the S derived from the word ‘sonderklasse’, meaning 'special class'. If the S was partnered with an E, then the car was fitted with fuel injection, or ‘einspritzung’ and if it was tailed with an L, then it was the long wheelbase model. The W116 range offered smaller engines in the line up on standard wheelbases, but it was the 450 SEL, with its 4.5-litre V8 engine and extra legroom, that filled the gap in the market between the expensively ostentatious Silver Shadow and the cheaper, but thirsty V12 Daimler. Performance was comparable and the build quality set an industry benchmark, whilst the three-pronged star remained aspirational for a new generation. Produced between 1973 and 1980 the 450 SEL was the third most popular W116 model with 59,578 cars sold.

As ever with a popular car, very few remain today in this condition, rarer still as a right-hand drive car, and naturally UK-supplied cars have faired the worst due to our weather. Cars of this era in this condition are rare but occasionally available, only found however when the first owner and subsequent custodians have cherished it. As such, this UK-supplied 450 SEL in Silver Blue metallic with dark blue velour interior is a testament to the car’s first owner, who took delivery on 1st September 1979. For whatever reason, he sold the car to a wealthy pub landlord in Bristol, William Mace in November 1979 and he kept it a bit longer, until 2005 in fact, as evidenced in the original registration documents that list the three subsequent owners, with the current keeper since 2014.

The car was featured in the June 2006 edition of Classics Monthly, copy included, and the odometer reading was 13,608 miles. It sits on the correct set of 14-inch ‘Bundt’ alloy wheels and is shod in Michelin XWX tyres. Factory features include self-levelling suspension, an electric sunroof, climate control, electric windows and a period-appropriate Hitachi radio cassette player. The condition is commensurate with the odometer reading of 22,263 miles and the history file includes historic service receipts, previous MOTs and owner’s manuals. The car was serviced at a Mercedes-Benz main dealer on 2nd August 2022 and the MOT is valid until 1st August 2023.

Quite simply one of the finest examples we have seen.