1979 Mercedes-Benz Other

450SEL 6.9 Sedan

6.9 lliter V8

Automatic

11603612006512

Clear

Gasoline

This is an original US model 6.9 liter V8 Mercedes - much more desirable than the European imports that you frequently see on ebay that claim to be low mileage but are often rusty imports that have been covered up with a fresh coat of cheap paint with new odometers that do not reflect true mileage. You can make out the US models by their distinct larger bumpers that do not have the 2 protrusions that the smaller engine 450SELs came with. The European models have bumpers that are much closer to the body and a much smaller rubber strip. If you are looking at this listing with any seriousness, you probably know how rare and collectible this Mercedes Model is. Only about 2000 were sold in the US between 1977 and 1979 and they sold for almost $50,000 in 1979! This was the ‘ultimate’ Mercedes that was built as a ‘no compromise’ model where cost was not a consideration. The car had hydraulic suspension (no separate springs or shocks) that adjusted the vehicle ride according to the speed of the car resulting in a superb combination of road comfort at low speeds and a tight control at high speeds. It had anti dive (when you brake) and anti squat (when you accelerate) control links that kept the car level through the most demanding maneuvers. Read up on Brock Yates write-up on this car when he put it through the punishing series of tests at Road Atlanta at sustained speeds over 120MPH and you will get a true appreciation of this car. A link is provided below: http://www.m-100.cc/6point9/brochure/brockyates/index.html I have had several mechanics tell me that this car was over rated and that a 560SEL or a modern AMG 600 series is as good or better; don’t believe it. I had a 560SL at the same time as this 6.9 and there is NO comparison! The instant response to the throttle on this car is unmatched by any other car I have ever driven. It is a heavy 4 door sedan that corners with amazing agility and the acceleration is deceivingly quick. Every time I take off from a green light, I am surprised to not see any other cars keeping up with me and it is only after a few hundred feet and I look in the rear view mirror that I realize that I have left the pack behind! and I am not even trying to race anyone! The pleasure you get when you are next to a sports car at a red light and the surprise that you see on their face when you have beaten them at the quarter mile is truly irreplaceable. The way that this car just glides over parking lot speed bumps is another experience that you will not want to miss! The suspension just goes up and down with lots of wheel travel and you do not even feel the bump! My 6.9 is one that I looked long and hard to find (over a year of looking) and it is a Texas car that had not been used and was in storage for a while. There is some mild surface rust that easily rubs off and one wheel well that has some rust that needs to be fixed. It has been a Texas and Arizona car all its life. I had to flush out the fuel lines, replace the fuel pump and 2 of the nitrogen suspension cylinders. Mechanically, the car is in very good shape. The hydraulic suspension works every time and when you pull the T handle on the dash, the car gently rises up about 3 inches from normal height; another eyebrow raiser! The suspension bushings need to be replaced (just never got around to it); it is drivable but the steering feels a bit loose and you will not get the full pleasure out of this car until you replace the bushings. The anthracite grey paint is faded and does not take a good shine. It really needs to be repainted. I intended to keep this car and restore it to its original glory but simply do not have the time or the money to do it right now. I would not hesitate to buy this back in a few years and complete the restoration. It is a great candidate for one. The engine and transmission work flawlessly. It has passed the emissions tests every year that I have had it (about 3) with flying colors and I have included the latest emission test results as one of the photographs. Note the High Oil pressure at idle in the picture The interior is in very good shape but does have a few creases that are just developing in the leather (not cracked all the way through). I have applied leather restorer to arrest further deterioration of the leather. The headliner is clean with no tears or rips. The carpets are original and the car has not been smoked in. The burled walnut wood trim is in good condition. The climate control fan works but the AC does not. (probably needs a new compressor or a Freon recharge) All the gauges work including the odometer. Tires are practically new and wear evenly. Overall, this is a great find with very low miles that you can pick up at a reasonable price and restore it. If it is fully restored, this should easily fetch over 10,000$s. I have set a low reserve and will only have it on ebay for a week to facilitate a quick sale. If you are the successful bidder, you will need to pay $1000 using paypal and the balance with a cashier’s check or electronic funds transfer. As soon as I see all the funds, I will mail the clean title. We can make arrangements for you to pick up the car locally or have it shipped. I have used a transport broker in the past that is very reasonable because she lets the truckers bid on the segment; but it can take a few weeks before the car is picked up. If you want it faster, you can arrange for a pick up by your favorite transport company.