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.”

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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

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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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BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

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✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.