Lot 137 - 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 litre
| Lot Number | 137 |
| Registration | LLL 507V |
| Chassis Number | WDB11603622007224 |
| Odometer reading | 72,000 miles |
| Result | Sold - £14,000 |
Launched in 1974 as the world's fastest ever four-door production car, the Mercedes-Benz W116 450 SEL 6.9 set new benchmarks for technology, refinement and power in European production cars. Conservatively rated at 285bhp when new, these 6.9-litre monsters quickly became the choice of Formula 1 drivers, millionaire businessmen and luminaries wishing for the fastest available form of land transport with discretion also assured.
Presented here is example 7,224 of 7,380 produced, a desirable UK-delivered, righthand drive model with just five keepers in total from new. Finished in factory-correct code 881/metallic ‘Thistle Green’ over Brazil Brown leather, it shows just 72,000 recorded miles from new which is supported by an MoT test history dating back to 1984 and a large amount of recent paperwork across all areas of the motor car. LLL 507V has been recently refinished in its original colour and wears freshly-supplied Michelin XWX tyres, the only permitted tyre allocated to this model by Mercedes-Benz. A tyre also, interestingly, shared with the Ferrari Daytona.
Additionally, much recent work on the car's hydraulic self-levelling suspension has taken place to ensure correct operation, along with a full fluid service to the engine, transmission, power steering, hydraulic system and differential. Significantly, the engine has also recently benefitted from fresh fuel injectors, inlet/exhaust manifold gaskets, valve cover gaskets, fuel injector seals and other ‘freshen-ups’ to ensure reliability of operation alongside the legendary power delivery which saw this example recently road tested in controlled conditions to its published top speed of 140mph.
Supplied with full MoT test certificate to June 2018 and with full Swansea V5C documents along with a large history file, this beautiful 450 SEL 6.9 presents as a desirable collector's piece, especially given its righthand drive specification, epic power plant and low 72,000 recorded miles from new.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.