The Mercedes-Benz W116 has the unique distinction of being the brand’s first-ever flagship to wear the S-Class nameplate, where the letter ’S’ stood for ‘Sonderklasse’, German for “special class.”
Built between 1972 and 1980, it remains one of the most iconic and desirable S-Class generations, particularly in the rare and mighty fast 450 SEL 6.9 trim which had the difficult mission of succeeding the legendary 300 SEL 6.3.
As its name made it very clear, the high-performance luxury sedan featured the largest engine of any European production car after World War II. A development of its predecessor’s 6.3-liter unit, the hand-built, dry-sump 6,834-cc M100 gasoline V8 produced 282 HP (286 PS) and 405 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque in European specification. US-spec cars came with slightly less power: 250 HP and 360 lb-ft (488 Nm) of torque.
See Also: Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9: The Iconic German Bruiser Turns 45 Years Old
Paired to a three-speed automatic transmission, the engine offered enough power to send the 450 SEL 6.9 from 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds (0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds) and on to a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h). Remember, we’re talking about a luxury saloon introduced in 1975.
Impressive engine aside, the 450 SEL 6.9 was jam-packed with state-of-the-art technology including Mercedes-Benz’s first hydro-pneumatic suspension system (the 600 and the 300 6.3 had air suspensions) and the first production ABS system co-developed with the Robert Bosch Company. Add to that the timeless styling signed by Friedrich Geiger, generous interior space (it was based on the long-wheelbase S-Class), and industry-leading safety features and you can understand why the 6.9 was such a big deal.
Contributing to its cult car status is the low production volume of 7,380 units which means it’s not that easy to find them on the used market. Well, you can count yourself lucky because RM Sotheby’s will soon be offering one at the Essen online auction running June 3-11.
The 1979 Mercedes-Benz 460 SEL 6.9 you see in the photos was originally shipped to the United States after it left the Sindelfingen assembly line. It came equipped with full luxury accessories including a Becker Mexico stereo cassette radio, automatic antenna, an electric sunroof, alloy wheels, and striking Milan Brown Metallic paintwork.
The car was titled in Virginia as late as 2006 before returning to Europe in 2009. The new owner based in Berlin, Germany subjected the 450 SEL 6.9 to a basic reconditioning, followed by an extensive restoration 2014–2017 by a respected German specialist. The company put it into its current “showroom condition” by repainting it and bringing back the shine to the light ivory and burl wood interior.
There should be plenty of life left in the M100 engine too, as the car’s odometer shows 108,242 kilometers (67,258 miles). Offered without reserve, the 450 SEL is estimated to fetch anywhere between €35,000 – €50,000 ($38,130 – $54,470) at “The European Sale Featuring The Petitjean Collection” online auction.
![](https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/themes/carscoops/assets/images/icons/arrow.png"){kind=icon}