1975 Mercedes-Benz 400-Series

450 SEL W116 Sedan

Automatic

Clear

Gasoline

If you were ANYONE in the 1970's, you either drove or were driven in a 450SEL. I purchased this car about 18 months ago from the estate of a California man who used it, among a dozen other cars in his collection, to drive from his home in Santa Barbara to his other residence in Palm Springs. The car was purchased for $7000, shipped enclosed for $1500, and has received cosmetic and mechanical restorations totaling more than $6000, putting my investment at nearly $15,000. Above you will find a slideshow of over 100 pictures so you see the condition of this car from every possible angle. Cosmetics and Appearance are just beautiful for a vehicle now approaching 38 years old. The car gets wonderful reactions where ever it is driven. Finished in a non-metallic deep blue that changes color from royal to navy in different light, the car features a near perfect interior. The doors and trim, MB Tex upholstery and carpeting are beautiful. The original dash ( which all have cracked ) has been recovered in a grained texture and color correct BLACK dash cap, which you would never realize unless I pointed it out. I can not say whether the paint is original in whole or part, because it looks great and I have not found any over-spray. I'm assuming at least some portions have been redone at some point. The chrome and stainless look just like the photos. There is no rust on the body or under carriage being from CA. I just this week received and installed the correct rear parcel shelf carpeting to replace the damaged sun-faded original. This very impressive car now legitimately looks like it must have in the late 1970's! Cosmetically, I replaced any broken a/c vents, got the courtesy lights working, and fixed the automatic electric antenna ( connected to the original working Becker radio ). All windows work from all locations (slowly), Sunroof operates as it should as shown. All gauges and dials function and light, but as you probably guessed, the clock does not work. Wipers work in several speeds as does the window washer. Flashers, turn signals, all front and rear lights as well as factory Hella fog lights operate. The car's vacuum-operated central locking works on all four doors and the trunk. The emergency brake and brakes work perfect. The tires are newer Goodyear 14" fitted to the factory option alloy wheels. I purchased a fifth alloy and a brand new spare for the trunk.  Here is information confirmed from The Mercedes Benz Classic Owners Center in California: Engine: 117983-12-036960 Transmission: 052970 920- Paint, Deep Blue 2 262- Interior, Blue Leather Single seats Electric Sliding roof Tachometer Instrument with mileage reading and English lettering U.S. Version Becker radio Paintcoat preservation Automatic antenna Steering height adjustment, co-driver's seat Front folding armrest Air conditioner/ Tempmatic Heat-insulating glass, all around Elimination of warning triangle   Mechanically is where the money was spent, including a brand new transmission rebuild with modulator under warranty from Andover NJ Transmission for 11000 more miles; A complete new A/C system that blows ice cold and works perfectly. A full set of Bilstein HD shocks and bushings, A new steering box and gear set up, new suspension bushings as required, a new idle modulator unit and cold start valve ( now idles perfect ), thermostat, and whatever belts or hoses needed replacement; a new battery in 2010, new brakes all around and a recent tuneup and radiator core flush. The car now drives like it should and like it looks. Fast, powerful and steady.  At nearly 4 decades old, it does have flaws and there are things that I hope the next owner will do. Rubber does not like intense sun or heat, and being a Palm Springs resident, the seals around the windshield and back glass - though water tight still - are showing cracking; The door seals (about $60 each) should be replaced if you want an air-tight ride like originally intended. Like all old Mercedes, the seats are slightly springie, and one should probably tighten them up and replace the seat pads while at it.  There are very minor nicks, scratches and a few tiny parking lot dings that should come out with a good paintless dent treatment. There is slight spider-web grazing on the passenger side upper doors near the chrome handles, but it is un-noticeable from a few feet away. This is a fourth car, and I am selling it and a 1987 560SL ( with 48,000 miles ) to buy a boat before summer ends. For that reason, this is a NO RESEVE auction starting at less than the cost of the new transmission, a/c system and steering box. At the opening bid, you're getting the car for free - and then some. The car passed standard - not collector - NJ Safety and Emission requirements and is currently registered with clean title. I am not interested in trades of any kind, but thank you in advance. The car is available for inspection prior to auction end, and may be advertised locally - so auction could end at any time at my discretion. If you've been looking for one of these - then bid accordingly. The car is being sold " AS IS-WHERE IS with all it's faults and charms", but you will get the remainder of the transmission warranty. I am a private collector, not a car dealer - Restoring old cars is a hobby and I don't mind losing money on old cars because if you restore them correctly, you always will. I do hope the next owner will continue what has been started.  This is a real opportunity for the right person. Please review all the photos before emailing questions.....thank you and good luck!On Aug-02-11 at 23:58:20 PDT, seller added the following information: Just wanted to add that this car got it's most recent servicing from J&J Automotive in Sparta, NJ. Everyone in North New Jersey knows that they are THE mechanics to go to for older Mercedes. I will also be adding whatever spare parts I've collected, including special order touch up paint in the original factory color. I forgot to mention that the car needs a hood insulation pad. They are widely available on ebay for $50; it DOES have the rubber full width factory trunk mat - it just wasn't in any of the photos....thanks!On Aug-05-11 at 06:31:44 PDT, seller added the following information: Reminder: To the those among the several dozen " Watchers ": This is a NO RESERVE auction AND I have scheduled local inspections for the weekend; The car WILL SELL to the highest bidder within days and will NOT be relisted. If you are really interested you need to bid NOW or make an appointment to see it in person asap or someone else will be driving it by Tuesday.On Aug-05-11 at 21:01:11 PDT, seller added the following information: I have received several emails about the level I restore cars to, so I have added pictures of the previous 8 cars I've done to to the end of the slideshow above. All were quality examples to begin with, and all were restored cosmetically to look a few years old regardless of their actual age. Mechanically, everything was brought back to working condition ( with the possible exception of cruise control which I never use, or a clock ). All were eventually capable of being used for daily driving; all passed State Inspections as regular vehicles. Hopefully these pictures will give you confidence that the 450SEL is also a quality vehicle and a bargain. Only The 1987 48,000 mile 560SL is available for sale - offers in the low 20k's will be considered; THE OTHERS HAVE BEEN SOLD or ARE NOT FOR SALE.On Aug-07-11 at 18:19:26 PDT, seller added the following information: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljHjH-UkHWAOn Aug-07-11 at 18:24:31 PDT, seller added the following information: On Aug-08-11 at 16:34:43 PDT, seller added the following information: On Aug-08-11 at 16:56:43 PDT, seller added the following information: On Aug-08-11 at 17:05:35 PDT, seller added the following information: On Aug-08-11 at 17:17:56 PDT, seller added the following information: The videos in daylight (one,two,three) were taken Today. Adjust the sound volume to about 25% and it will be an accurate level. The videos show the car's power, braking, handling and acceleration are fine. The squeeking is the driver's seat - partly caused by meas I was hold the camera while trying to drive. The video showing the 450SEL passing the big rig on an incline on Interstate 15 was at a speed of 75 mph UPHILL - and the car had no problem whatsoever. High bidder wins this car!...NO RESERVE!...prior to shipping,I will have the car re-checked by my mechanic to make sure everything looks fine, and it will be waxed and detailed. At twice the opening bid of $4500, this is a screaming bargain.