Highlights
- Very well presented car in silver with grey velour interior
- Low 114,000 miles recorded from new
- Just five registered keepers
- Full exterior respray carried out in 2022
- Voluntary MOT'd until December 2026
- Stored under cover
- Rare LWB W116 with 225bhp 4.5L V8 engine
- Factory air con
The Appeal
The rewards for captaining industry are most obviously financial, but for 70s titans, they also included access to this car - Mercedes’ illustrious W116. The late nights and early starts put in by the engineering team during its development made the first S-Class eye-wateringly expensive, especially when choosing the big 4.5L M117 V8 and long-wheelbase spec as here.
As an RHD 450SEL, this 1978 car is particularly rare, and we suspect even fewer are as well-kept as this car. Classically finished in silver metallic, accented with ‘Mexican Hat’ alloys, and fitted with a gorgeous grey velour cabin, it is an unmodified and beautifully preserved car. The car was resprayed in 2022, but the interior, with its much-loved Zebrano wood veneers, is as it left the factory.
Despite the manifold delights of that 2250bhp engine and sumptuous interior, the car only shows 114,000 miles. We can’t warrant that, but the condition indicates it could be correct. It has passed through the lucky hands of only five keepers in its 48 years. The current one, an enthusiast, bought it intending to sell it quickly, but fell in love with it. He tells us that it has only needed light tuning during his tenure.
The car comes with the useful transparency of a voluntary MOT that is valid to December 2026. Executive classic motoring really doesn’t get better than this. One not to miss.
The vendor says:
“A pleasure and an honour to drive and own. I love the stance, the feel and the smell! That lovely 4.5 V8 sound.”
Key Information
- Mileage: 114,347 miles (limited documentation to verify, unwarranted)
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: Voluntary MOT valid to 3rd December 2026 with advisories to note
- Technical specs: M117 225bhp 4,520cc V8 petrol, four-speed automatic
- Paperwork: Some old MOTs, invoices, and tax discs, V5C
The Detail
- Full exterior respray carried out in 2022 in classic silver metallic
- Fitted with optional front spoiler in body colour
- Vendor advises paintwork has a few minor blemishes as expected
- Orange peel effect previously noted in winter has been resolved through polishing
- Chrome arch trims removed to demonstrate solid bodywork underneath
- Factory optional ‘Mexican Hat’ alloys in good general condition with matching spare
- Interior trimmed in grey velour with air conditioning, cruise control and Zebrano wood
- Interior is very well kept with light wear to the driver's seat bolster and headlining
- Fabric has come away from the edge of the rear seat bench mainly visible when opening the rear right door
- Rear seat edge tear noted
- Driver's front window regulator needs attention
- Engine starts and runs well
- Slight exhaust or heat shield type rattle on start-up and at idle
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