1979 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL (W116)

The Stuttgart Collection is a carefully curated selection of cars that were once part of a larger, private, UK-based Mercedes-Benz museum. The cars presented to auction offer a unique opportunity to own arguably the best examples available in today’s market. From the fabulous 500SL delivered new to Sir Stirling Moss himself with a later Mercedes F1 starring role to the modest 230 E saloon at a tantalising No Reserve, each car is on the button with unrivalled history files that detail the diligent maintenance from new.

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 Magnetite Blue metallic with a dark blue velour interior is a testament to the car’s first owner, the inventor of the jubilee clip no less, who took delivery on 21st September 1979, remaining with the family until 2016. Joining the Collection in 2022, the car is presented to auction with V5C and a very detailed history file. The mileage at the time of cataloguing was 55,124 miles.

Highly prized in this condition and less thirsty than its bigger 6.9-litre brother, closer inspection is very much welcomed.