Mercedes-Benz 450 SE
(1972 - 1980)
Car articles about Mercedes-Benz 450 SE by year
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3, built between 1968 and 1972, was the fastest saloon produced in Germany and could also keep up with fast sports cars. It was created by combining the long-wheelbase version of the 300 SE with the engine from the Mercedes 600. 6.3 liters of displacement and 250 hp in combination with the lighter 300 SEL saloon made it possible to achieve outstanding driving performance without sacrificing comfort. This report goes into the history of the development, describes driving impressions and shows the saloon in current and historical pictures, supplemented by original brochures and press information, as well as a sound sample.
"In the midst of a period of economic worries, Daimler-Benz is launching an expensive, large car that aspires to the pinnacle of today's automotive technology..." This was written in "Automobil Revue" in mid-May 1975, the year in which the car market had reached a low point. In fact, it seemed an anachronism for a car company to come out with a new super model during the "oil crisis" that certainly did not have economy written all over it. Nevertheless, the car was a success, with 7,380 vehicles being built. This report summarizes its technical specifications and refers to presentations and test reports. Of particular interest and worthy of note in this article are the original transcripts of the statements made by Mr. Schmidt and Mr. Scherenberg at the presentation, as well as the technical data and press information.
In 1975, Mercedes presented the 450 SEL 6.9, the top-of-the-range model of the W 116 S-Class. A powerful V8 with a displacement of 6.8 liters delivered over 280 hp and catapulted the saloon into sports car performance territory. This was also appreciated by the press and, of course, the celebrities of the time. This driving report describes the special features and characteristics of the large saloon and shows them in present-day and historical images, supplemented by a sound sample.
It was not just one luxury sedan among many. It was the luxury sedan. The one against which all others had to measure themselves. The one that was only measured against the very highest standards. The Mercedes-Benz W 116 once again drew from the full before lightweight construction and air resistance put an end to the Swabian solid construction of steel and chrome. This article describes why the first S-Class, even with its six-cylinder engine, belonged to the pinnacle of automotive engineering and shows a picture of a Caledonia green 280 SE.
Externally, there were only minimal distinguishing features, but when connoisseurs spotted a Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC coupé with a rubber lip on the trunk lid and the number "5.0" on the right-hand side of the rear in 1978, the driver was sure to receive an appreciative nod. After all, this Mercedes-Benz was the fastest car from Sindelfingen at the time and quite expensive too. Only 1977 of the lightweight coupé were built between 1978 and 1980, a good reason to dedicate a detailed report with many photos to the SLC 5.0.
Over 35 years ago, Mercedes presented the S-Class of the W 126 series, the superlative saloon that was more aerodynamic, safer and more innovative than all the competition. Only the simple and unusual design initially caused some controversy, but the continuing success and over 800,000 units produced proved that Mercedes was right. This driving report portrays a Mercedes-Benz 500 SE of the first W-126 generation and describes its development and special features.
Current market prices for Mercedes-Benz 450 SE
4-Door Sedan, 224 PS, 4520 cm3
4-Door Sedan, 224 PS, 4520 cm3
4-Door Sedan, 286 PS, 6834 cm3
Convertible, 224 PS, 4520 cm3
Coupe, 224 PS, 4520 cm3
Coupe, 239 PS, 5025 cm3
4-Door Sedan, 160 PS, 2778 cm3
4-Door Sedan, 200 PS, 3499 cm3
4-Door Sedan, 194 PS, 4489 cm3
4-Door Sedan, 185 PS, 2746 cm3
4-Door Sedan, 200 PS, 3499 cm3
4-Door Sedan, 185 PS, 2746 cm3
4-Door Sedan, 218 PS, 3818 cm3
4-Door Sedan, 239 PS, 4973 cm3
4-Door Sedan, 200 PS, 3499 cm3
4-Door Sedan, 196 PS, 4489 cm3
4-Door Sedan, 200 PS, 3499 cm3
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Auctioned vehicles of Mercedes-Benz 450 SE
| Brand | Model | Year | Status | Auction name | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz 450 SE (116) 1973 Sold H&H Classics Donington Park (February 21, 2017) |
450 SE (116) | 1973 | Sold | H&H Classics Donington Park (February 21, 2017) | |
| Mercedes-Benz 450 SE (126) 1980 Sold ACA Kings Lynn Auction (August 27, 2016) |
450 SE (126) | 1980 | Sold | ACA Kings Lynn Auction (August 27, 2016) | |
| Mercedes Benz 450 SE 1980 Not Sold ACA Kings Lynn Auction (June 18, 2016) |
450 SE | 1980 | Not Sold | ACA Kings Lynn Auction (June 18, 2016) | |
| Mercedes-Benz 450 SE (116) 1980 Not Sold ACA Kings Lynn Auction (April 4, 2015) |
450 SE (116) | 1980 | Not Sold | ACA Kings Lynn Auction (April 4, 2015) | |
| Mercedes-Benz 450 SE 1979 Sold Dorotheum Fahrzeug Auktionen Vintage Motor Vehicles and Automobilia (June 14, 2014) |
450 SE | 1979 | Sold | Dorotheum Fahrzeug Auktionen Vintage Motor Vehicles and Automobilia (June 14, 2014) | |
| Mercedes-Benz 450 SE (116) 1973 Sold Oldtimer Galerie Toffen Toffen Auktion (April 25, 2015) |
450 SE (116) | 1973 | Sold | Oldtimer Galerie Toffen Toffen Auktion (April 25, 2015) | |
| Mercedes-Benz 450 SE (116) 1977 Sold ACA Anglia Car Auctions Kings Lynn (April 8, 2017) |
450 SE (116) | 1977 | Sold | ACA Anglia Car Auctions Kings Lynn (April 8, 2017) | |
| Mercedes-Benz 450 SE (116) 1977 Sold Auctionata Berlin Sale (February 27, 2015) |
450 SE (116) | 1977 | Sold | Auctionata Berlin Sale (February 27, 2015) | |
| Mercedes Benz 450 SEL 1976 Not Sold Anglia Car Auctions Kings Lynn Auction (April 9, 2016) |
450 SEL | 1976 | Not Sold | Anglia Car Auctions Kings Lynn Auction (April 9, 2016) | |
| Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL (116) 1976 Sold Classic Car Auctions UK Classic Car Sale (September 24, 2016) |
450 SEL (116) | 1976 | Sold | Classic Car Auctions UK Classic Car Sale (September 24, 2016) |
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Engine sounds of Mercedes-Benz 450 SE vehicles (random selection)
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