Highlights
- Comprehensively rebuilt mechanicals, including suspension, brakes, cooling, and fuel systems
- Top-end engine rebuild with modern Bosch fuel injection upgrade
- E10-compatible fuel lines and modern fuel system components fitted
- MOT and road tax exempt
- Acquired from an estate clearance and substantially recommissioned
The Appeal
The W116 was the car that inaugurated the S-Class name, and the 450SE sat near the top of the range with its 4.5-litre V8. These are increasingly appreciated as usable, comfortable grand tourers with a devoted following and strong parts availability.
This UK market RHD 1974 example was taken off the road approximately fifteen years ago by its then-owner as a restoration project. It was fully dismantled and the body repainted in its original factory colour. Following the owner's passing, the current vendor acquired the car from the estate in late 2024, finding it partially reassembled with boxes of parts. The vendor then undertook a thorough mechanical rebuild, the details of which are outlined below.
The vendor describes the result as a good driving, mechanically sound vehicle with the heavy work completed. The interior remains incomplete, and the bodywork would benefit from further attention. This is an honest project for a new owner with the time and inclination to attend to the remaining cosmetic and trim items.
Key Information
- Mileage: 170,980 miles (indicated, unwarranted)
- Country of registration is the UK and was also the country of first registration
- Technical inspection status: MOT and tax exempt
- Technical specs: 4.5-litre V8 petrol (per model designation); further specifications not provided
- Paperwork: no specific documentation mentioned
- Documentation includes a new historic vehicle V5, extensive invoices for all the parts & labour used in the recommission, and some of the previous paperwork which came from the estate of the deceased.
The Detail
- All bushes, bearings, ball joints, and track rod ends replaced
- New shocks, drop links, upper wishbones, all suspension bolts, uprights, and carriers fitted
- New brake discs, callipers, brake master cylinder, brake pipes, fittings, and hoses fitted
- New fuel lines (E10 compatible), radiator hoses, vacuum lines, radiator, and header tank fitted
- New fuel pump and fuel filters fitted
- Engine adapted with an upgrade kit to accept modern Bosch fuel injectors, connectors, and sensors
- Top-end engine rebuild completed with new head gaskets, timing chain, and timing gears
- New spark plugs, points, leads, and coil fitted
- New water pump and all cooling system parts fitted
- Exterior repainted by the previous owner in the original factory colour; the vendor notes one or two runs and visible preparation marks
- Paintwork would benefit from a polish and ideally a fresh topcoat, followed by lacquering
- Interior incomplete: missing lower floor carpets and the driver's armrest
- Some remaining carpet is mismatched, sourced from a different W116
- Cloth seats showing their age, but the vendor reports the fabric is undamaged, and support springs remain in good condition
- Central locking is not yet operational; all parts are present, but the vacuum-operated system has not yet been resolved
- Original radio present but not connected; new speakers and speaker cables fitted
- Most electronics are reported as functional, including power windows and the power sunroof
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