1974 Mercedes-Benz 350 SE (W116)
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Highlights
- In remarkable, time-warp condition
- Rare manual transmission
- All original interior
- Only two owners from brand new, one owning from 1974 til 2021
- Low mileage example
The Appeal
The luxury flagship, the W116, was the first Benz model to ever be graced with the ‘S’ designation, making this the first S-Class model, standing for Sonderklasse or ‘Special Class’. The top-of-its-class 350 is powered with a lovely 3.5-litre V8 engine, making this the most desirable model of its siblings.
This particular example stayed with its original owner from 1974 all the way up until 2021, talk about commitment! The vehicle has been clearly lovingly cared for with seemingly no regard for expense, it remains in beautiful condition with only a respray completed a long time ago to keep the paint work up to scratch. A truly stunning example, inside and out!
The History and Paperwork
- Sold brand new in May of 1974 by R.A.V.I in Italy
- The original owner kept the vehicle from 1974 until 2021
- Original 79,831 kilometres
- Exceptionally maintained throughout its life
- Respray undergone “a long time ago”, however it remains as beautiful as can be
- Kept in heated storage to retain the rust-free chassis
- Recently serviced
- Mercedes-Benz service manual not present
- Two sets of original keys present
The Interior
- Stunning and all original
- Black leather seats in gorgeous condition with very gentle patina
- Headlining in excellent form with no rips or tears
- Interior plastics all original and very well maintained
- Wooden veneer dash panel in gorgeous condition
- Steering wheel beautifully kept
- Centre console controls functional and easily readable
- Gauge cluster free from any damage and completely functional with no warning lights
- Door cards all free from damage
- Carpets are all original and are plush throughout
- Hints of brightwork all brilliantly kept
- Warning triangle present in the boot
The Exterior
- All original body panels with only some gentle signs of age
- Brightwork all in lovely condition, some scuffs on the front window surround and the passenger side A-pillar trim
- Paintwork in excellent condition, small paint chips touched in on the passenger side C-pillar
- Wheels all original and in lovely shape, brightwork is excellent and the painted centres just have a couple of small scratches
- Headlights and tail lights all functional and free from any damage or fading
- Bumpers remain in lovely shape with excellent brightwork
- Panel gaps all of factory fitment
- All body panels seemingly free from any rust or corrosion
- Vehicle underside in outstanding condition
- Engine bay very well presented
The Mechanics
- 3.5-Litre V8 engine
- 197bhp and 232 lb-ft of torque
- 0-60mph in 8.7 seconds
- Bosch D-Jetronic injection
- Rear wheel drive configuration
- Four speed manual transmission
- Recently serviced, including fluids and oils, spark plugs, new filters
- New tyres recently fitted
- In excellent mechanical condition with no unwelcome noises or clunks under load
Summary
It’s always a pleasure to see an original car when one pops up, especially when they’ve been lovingly cared for for so many years. The love and dedication has surely paid off here, the car remains in gorgeous condition throughout with excellent mechanical workings.
The very gentle hints of patina make this so much more charming than any restored competitor, it adds life and soul, it showcases that it hasn’t been hidden from the world. Even though that may not be the case now that it’s away in heated storage! This would be a stunning addition to any Benz enthusiasts collection, a real head turner and conversation starter.
A fee of circa €200 is due from buyer for exportation costs or new registration.
A fee of circa €200 is due from buyer for exportation costs or new registration.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Shipping and transfer
Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders. For more details, email [email protected].
Vehicle specification
- Year 1974
- Make Mercedes
- Model 350 SE (W116)
- Colour Silver
- Odometer 79,831 Kilometres
- Engine size 3499
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Bari
- Country Italy
35
bids
- Ri•••• €13,000 14/04/23
- su•••• €12,250 14/04/23
- Ri•••• €12,000 14/04/23
- su•••• €11,000 14/04/23
- Ri•••• €10,750 14/04/23
- su•••• €9,000 14/04/23
- Al•••• €8,800 14/04/23
- su•••• €8,400 14/04/23
- Al•••• €8,200 14/04/23
- su•••• €7,900 14/04/23
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
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Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
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- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| €0 to €9,999 | €100.00 |
| €10,000 to €49,999 | €250.00 |
| €50,000 to €99,999 | €500.00 |
| €100,000 + | €1,000.00 |
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You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
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