1977 Mercedes Benz 450 SEL 6.9 148k Miles Anthracite/Blk No Reserve Atlanta GA Over 130 photos in the description! Beautiful Benz! 1977 Mercedes Benz 450 SEL 6.9

Vin # 11603612002075

Miles – 148500

This 6.9 was sold in August 1977 at Newport Beach Mercedes Benz (Original Build date was February 1977).It is a California emissions equipped car finished in Anthracite over Black with all of the standard US 6.9 features like automatic climate control sunroof power windows cruise control and the unique rear head rests.According to notes in the service records the car was dealer serviced in Newport until around 40k miles.In 1988 at around 70k miles it was purchased and taken to Seattle where it lived until 2003 when it was acquired by the previous owner and driven 2500 miles back to Wisconsin.Once there it was used sparingly.When I found the car it had been in a garage for several years and I took my time to bring it ‘back to life’ which I’ll outline below.

Over the years this 6.9 has benefitted from several ‘open check book’ owners and I have records and owner notes going back to 1988 at 70k miles.I added up over $25k in receipts over this time period.All records of course come with the car.

Mechanically

The car drives and shifts very nicely.It makes great power from its 6.9 liter M100 power plant and accelerates and shifts as it should.It drives straight and I am really trying to stay away from typical 6.9 eBay ad hyperbole but it does feel like it makes the original specification 250 or so horsepower and it will pull hard until you decide you need to lift off the accelerator with plenty of power left.It’s smooth on the highway and is surprisingly nimble around town.Oil pressure is always good I’ve never seen the temperature go past 185F or so even in traffic in 90F weather it starts on the first hit hot or cold.The brakes are good or as good as they were in 1977 (this is a heavy fast car to stop) the parking brake works kick down switch works.Sorted reliable Benz.

During my ownership I’ve serviced the hydropnuematic suspension including New Accumulators on the front (red) and rear(blue/green) installed a new leveling valve linkage on the rear and a newly rebuilt leveling valve on the front of the car – it sits up for days and raises / lowers with loads as it should.The correct Benz fluid is in the tank and it is clear – not dark or black.It has the great 6.9 ride – firm but pliant at the same time.No bouncing around no weird side to side motion it rides like it should.

As I’ve gotten to know the car and spent some time with it little things stand out: it still has OEM Mercedes hose clamps all of the vacuum lines are still supple they aren’t cracked the hydraulic lines are in good shape with good fittings and no bubbling on the rubber there are no oil or fluid leaks to speak of.The original metal plate that runs under the oil lines from the oil tank to the dry sump is in place as is the front chin spoiler.These seem to go missing on 6.9’s for some reason.

The suspension rubber is overall in nice shape though it’s likely time for lower ball joints – that’s the only component that should be replaced.It even still has the original paper oil filter instruction sticker on the filter housing.I’ve never seen that before.

It wears the larger 6.9 specification 215/70 tires they’re Toyo’s and they have tread but they’re older.Maybe just burn them up doing doughnuts…this car has the standard 6.9-Limited Slip Differential as well.

Additionally a new correct size Interstate battery was installed I replaced the shifter bushings and always important the A/C blows cold – most of the time or part of the time or randomly if it wants to.One note on the air it has been doing fine but the blower in the car does not always turn on.Sometimes there is a combination of buttons that will make it work but this is not always the case.The compressor engages and the system is charged.This AC system has been overhauled in the car at least once new servo new amplifier new control valves new vacuum lines and those receipts come with the car.I also have the W116 Climate Control service manual I’m happy to copy for an enterprising new owner.

All windows work sunroof opens and closes the Hirschman antenna raises and lowers all lights work interior and exterior - even the reading lights in the back and in the glove box.All gauges work correctly and the clock still keeps perfect time as well.Door locks operate correctly locking all doors trunk and fuel door.

The only inoperable accessory on the car is the cruise control.

Some service highlights over the years –

New Transmission $4000.00 – at 107k miles.

Open check book suspension service at 111k miles with pretty much everything replaced under the front end $4000.00 at Mercedes Benz.

I also have receipts for new cats mufflers alternator power steering pumps wires plugs distributors compressors valves seals and pretty much everything else consumable one could think of replacing over the last 38 years.

The car comes with two master keys original owners manuals warranty cards and hang tags.

Exterior

The car is rust free.It looks like an original California / Seattle car should.Jack points are solid there’s no rust on the body or underneath.At some point the car was repainted and the high quality original color re-spray that continues to show a glossy finish.Overall condition including door-sills jams shut lines look good.However I would guess this is a 20 year old paint job and the car has some garage dings scuffs scratches and some light spotting.You have to get up close but there are some blemishes here and there on the car.There is one small dent on the passenger’s side rear wheel arch just behind the door.I tried to photograph all of these.

The engine compartment trunk and under carriage are all in what I would call honest condition.It’s not fluff and buff but pretty much the way a clean running serviced car should look after 148k miles.

Euro headlamps are installed and they really enhance the overall presentation of the car and do improve the night driving experience with higher output H4 bulbs.I don’t have the fog lights in the Euro lamps connected – that’s easily done if you want quad fogs up there but you may need to upgrade the relays –the lower fogs work fine.Oh and how could I forget – this unit has chrome Bundts.There’s some light pitting on them but they definitely pop on the otherwise staid anthracite / black color scheme.

Interior

The original black leather interior was replaced in the mid 90’s with MB Tex from World Upholstery.The seats are in exceptional condition with good springs and horsehair.They’re matched with a replacement dash with absolutely no cracks.I have receipts for $2600.00 for the upholstery and $2000.00 for the new old stock dash.Note – those of you with good eyes may have already seen this the dash was replaced with a later W116 version and vents/speaker grills were sourced for the car.There are some notes jotted on the receipt that it was in for A/C work and the dash was damaged beyond repair.As near as I can tell the Caucasian Walnut veneer is original to the car and correct for 1977.The wood has not been refinished and is presentable however there is some varnish chipping around the climate control and around the gear shifter.The headliner is clean and rip free.The carpet overall is in nice condition however there is some fraying on the passenger’s side kick-panel.

At some point in the 90’s the car was equipped with an alarm system – the “NO GO 6000” – I’m not kidding.I have the manuals but I think it’s all been taken out except for the siren under the hood.A small panel was cut out next to the headlamp switch for a light or alarm switch or sensor.I put a plastic insert in there – but a Mercedes headlamp adjustment switch might be more appropriate with the Euro headlamps to fill in that gap.

And last but not least there’s an Alpine Stereo for you audiophiles out there…I know where’s the Becker???Sorry I don’t have a spare one.But hey the Alpine works and I’ll throw an REO speed wagon CD in there for you as well – that was a $1000.00 stereo set up back in the 90’s!I’ve got a receipt to prove it.

Happy Bidding – No Reserve.Call me if you want to chat about it. 404.556.1705 _gsrx_vers_577 (GS 6.7.5 (577))