A beautiful W116 450SE finished in Pine Green metallic with Moss Green velour trim with just 61k miles.

 

The W116 was the first official S-Class and like its successors always the vanguard of technology and design. Safety, performance and refinement improved over the old W108/109 models and all but the most basic model featured new Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection. The model ran between 1972 and 1980, featuring both six and eight cylinder models and two lengths of wheelbase. It was the 450SE that won European Car Of The Year in 1974 and it’s a 450SE we have here today.

 

The car was found in 2017, then the subject of a gentleman’s five-year project to sympathetically restore it. In total, over £33k has been spent since 2017. This work encompassed the restoration of the bodywork including a complete repaint, the servicing of the mechanicals, new Michelin tyres and a period-correct Becker stereo upgraded with Bluetooth/hands-free.

 

The bodywork presents in immaculate condition with superb paint finish and excellent bright work.

The interior is original and is well preserved. The velour has a little fade but no holes or wear. The dashboard is in excellent condition with no cracking and bright woodwork.

The steel wheels wear colour-coded hub caps and correct specification Michelin tyres.

A full stainless steel exhaust system has recently been built for the car and the underside has been wax protected to keep it in good order.

 

Registered as a historic vehicle so ULEZ, road tax and MoT exempt.

 

Despite Mercedes making close to half a million W116s of all versions worldwide, fifty years on it is hard to find nice right-hand drive examples. This short 450 is a very sharp example, low miles, subject to significant recent expenditure, and in great colours. What a great classic cruiser.