1979 Mercedes-Benz 400-Series

Sedan

6.9 L V-8

Automatic

11603612004622

Clear

Gasoline

Because I have had so many emails and calls after the last two no-sales that have continued for weeks I will re-list the car one more time and see what happens. I want the parking space now more than ever. No Reserve! 1979 Mercedes Benz 450sel 6.9 euro-spec. A real 6.9L euro-spec V-8. The euro-spec has the better looking lights/smaller chrome bumpers than the US version and the car has all the correct importation plates on door sill from that period. In non-US trim, the 6.9 power plant was rated at 286 hp with 405 lb·ft of torque. The North American version, introduced in 1977, was rated with 36 fewer horsepower and 45 fewer lb·ft due in part to more stringent emissions control requirements. Along with the 6.9 engine, the euro-spec, with the better looking bumpers and headlights, would be the most desirable and collectible of the 450 series. This 6.9 model which introduced ABS along with its unique hydropneumatic suspenion was almost twice the price of a base 450sel and almost as expensive as a Bentley/Rolls. Only 7,380 450sel 6.9s were produced worldwide. This was originally a German car(language on the turn signal arm etc.). This car runs, drives, and handles great. You can drive this car anywhere and it loves to cruise the highway. Hydraulic suspension works perfectly. It raises up and down and holds pressure with no problem. Everything just serviced in June to the tune of $1600 w/receipts by Mercedes specialist. Service included two new accumulators up front, new fluid for the hydraulic suspension. and all fluids/plugs, new Battery, new alternator etc. Good tires mounted on later model Mercedes wheels. Included in the trunk are a set of 4 period correct bundt style wheels that also came with the car. The car is a good driver. The car has strong brakes. Mechanically it seems well cared for. Cosmetically it needs some TLC. The interior is a bit worn but headliner and door cards are in good shape, no cracks in the dash, and most of the wood only has some minor laminate cracking. The rear deck is faded and there is some minor delaminating on the rear window but all other glass is good. The paint is fairly new but shows some bubbling in a few places(mostly surface) and there is one small area of rot along the front fender/hood seem otherwise the rust is constrained to the rocker panels which should be replaced at some point and around the wheel arches where the period chrome wheel flair covers were removed and a bad bondo job shows. Basically It needs a little body work on the wheel arches and new rocker panels. What it needs at some point to be perfect: New driver's side seat cover(new used seat bottom included), new carpets, new rocker panels and a bit of minor rust repair/body work on the wheel arches. Otherwise, the underneath is solid with only minor surface rust and the car runs/drives great. The rear passenger side window has begun working intermidently but all other windows/switches work. All lights/electrical equipment works including heated seats, wipers, washers, etc. The antenna gets power but doesn't go up and down which does not effect the quality of the radio signal. The A/C may or may not work but it has not been converted to R12 so I am not sure. The car looks to have had an older upgraded stereo/speaker set up which sounds pretty good. It still has the period CB radio which was installed under the passanger seat and driver's side mounted fire extinquisher. A cool car for someone who wants to give it a little cosmetic TLC. There is no discoloration in the suspension fluid leading me to believe it has only had genuine Mercedes Hydraulic Fluid. The panel gaps are good which leads me to believe the car has never been in an accident. It is a very original car. The engine bay and trunk area are very clean. While the true mileage is unknown as the odometer has not worked for as long as I've owned the car, I did find one service record from 2009 that stated 138K miles and it now reads 140K. I have only occasionally driven the car. Considering its age it is likely no more that 145K miles at this point but again TRUE MILEAGE UNKNOWN. I have a clean Illinois title in hand. This has been my occasional driver for the last year or so. I am a car collector, I have worked in restoration shops and run an antique car museum and cars have always been a hobby. I have owned dozens of exotic and collectible cars. I try and describe the cars as honestly as possible and to the best of my ability as stated by my feedback. I am more often than not a buyer so I can only hope for the same. I am selling to make room for some new cars and do not need to sell. I am simply not using this car very much. The car is located in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood and can be seen by appointment. The 6.9 is an astounding car on the highway and was really unrivaled in its day. The car is about as fast as one can be from that era at 60mph+. Please feel free to email with any questions or if you would like to arrange to see the car. Good luck and Happy Bidding!