1974 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL

For decades, Mercedes-Benz built an enduring reputation for cost-no-object engineering, reliability, and tank-like build quality.

Ask any diehard Silver Arrow enthusiast which model most epitomizes these philosophies, and fingers often point to the cultish W126 generation S-Class.

But the S-Class actually all started with the W116 generation built from 1972–80.

This is the first big-bodied Benz to receive the S-Class designation and it was released in 1972 demonstrating Mercedes-Benz’ innovation on a global scale with pioneering technologies like electronic anti-lock brakes and reinforced passenger cell with impact-absorbing crumple zones – designs we take for granted in the modern cars of today.

The 450 SE and SEL was offered with a small-block single-overhead-camshaft V8 which would deliver 222 horsepower to its rear wheels achieving 0 – 100km/h in just short of 10 seconds.

Presented in Blue Metallic over a Blue velour trim, this factory right-hand drive 1974 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL has believed to have travelled an original 64,000 miles from new.

Delivered new to the U.K. and arriving on our shores in 1978 this Mercedes-Benz has spent the majority of its life here in Australia and is a testament to its current condition avoiding a lifetime of exposure to salty roads.

After surfacing from a private collection, the current owner has preserved the car for the past 6 years originally acquiring it from a storage unit where the car had been sitting for some time.

After purchasing the 450 SEL its last custodian commissioned the entire braking system to be replaced and a major service was to be carried out by marque specialists.

Fast-forward to today, the car is still in excellent condition, the interior is a time capsule and the drive is effortless thanks to a recent major serviced carried out in May 2020.

This vehicle is offered with a set of owner’s manuals, a service maintenance book and receipts for the works that have been carried out. With the classic car market going berserk globally, this iconic and still very obtainable classic is ripe to be driven and enjoyed.