Stepping into the cabin of a classic Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL is an experience that immediately engages the senses. The first thing that strikes you is the distinctive aroma – a rich blend of warm engine oil, the subtle tang of unburnt fuel, and the complex bouquet emanating from decades of meticulously crafted materials. This isn’t just a car; it’s a time capsule, preserving the dedication of Mercedes engineers who obsessed over longevity, selecting plastics, woods, leathers, and laminates designed to endure far beyond fleeting trends.
Then there’s the steering wheel – a prominent, thin-rimmed circle, almost comically large by modern standards, fixed close to the driver’s lap. This substantial tiller, non-adjustable as it may be, speaks to a different era of driving. The generous on-center play in the recirculating ball steering system isn’t a flaw, but a deliberate design choice. It’s engineered to minimize driver fatigue during long, high-speed journeys on the Autobahn, the very environment for which this first true S-Class Mercedes was conceived to conquer. Driving a 450 SEL isn’t about sharp, immediate turns; it’s about providing gentle, considered inputs, guiding rather than wrestling this stately sedan. This characteristic becomes particularly noticeable when navigating the winding roads of California’s Highway 1, a breathtakingly beautiful stretch of coastline, especially when shrouded in fog as I experienced piloting this 1979 model through the Big Sur section.
Behind that iconic steering wheel lies a set of classic VDO gauges, instantly recognizable from 1970s Mercedes-Benz models. Remarkably, in this particular vehicle, owned and meticulously maintained by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center – the marque’s own custodians of heritage, dedicated to preserving, restoring, and trading vintage Mercedes – there were no warning lights illuminated. The most captivating gauge, however, was the odometer. By the end of my drive, it proudly displayed over 237,000 miles. Despite this impressive figure, the car was remarkably solid. Not a single squeak or rattle disturbed the serene driving experience; it simply performed flawlessly.
Mike Kunz, the affable director of the Classic Center, shared an interesting anecdote about this particular 450 SEL’s acquisition. “We acquired this car for a nominal sum,” he explained. “The previous owner, upon passing, wished to donate it to a museum, and his mother diligently pursued his wishes until it found its home with us.” This story highlights the enduring appeal and collectibility of these classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Upon arriving at the Classic Center, the 450 SEL sported a few period-correct modifications, reflecting the styling trends of its time. “It featured the gold package, a popular aesthetic enhancement in certain regions back then,” Kunz noted, pointing out the gold accents on the iconic hood ornament, the rear script, the grille badge, and the locking centers of the aftermarket Centra chromed wheels. When I confessed a slight admiration for these somewhat flamboyant touches, Kunz responded with a look of mock horror, as if I’d suggested fitting a modern Brabus body kit to a legendary Gullwing. This underscores the Classic Center’s commitment to preserving authenticity and original design integrity.
Furthermore, the SEL had been fitted with a powerful aftermarket 800-watt stereo system, complete with substantial subwoofers and door speakers. “We carefully removed it and reinstated a period-correct Becker Mexico radio,” Kunz stated, emphasizing their dedication to originality. While I briefly lamented not having my old cassette mixtapes to test the system, the original antenna smoothly extended, allowing me to tune into a local classical music station on NPR. With the expansive sunroof – nearly the size of the steering wheel itself, opening up a significant portion of the roof – fully retracted and the invigorating sea air flowing in, the experience felt undeniably luxurious.
Despite its undeniable presence and composed demeanor, the 450 SEL wasn’t built for outright speed in the modern sense. Its 4.5-liter V8 engine, constrained by emissions regulations of the era, produced a modest 190 horsepower. However, it compensated with a respectable 240 lb-ft of torque, which proved to be its saving grace. True to the S-Class tradition of refined and unhurried progress, it typically starts in second gear, unless you firmly engage first by pressing the accelerator beyond the kickdown point. That characteristic V8 rumble and torque delivery, however, imparted a sense of underlying power, particularly once it reached cruising speed. Accelerating from 45 to 75 mph was a genuinely enjoyable experience. Braking, courtesy of four-wheel disc brakes (ABS was a groundbreaking option from 1979, marking an industry first for production cars), was consistent and well-modulated, reinforcing the overall feeling of security and solidity that permeates every aspect of this car.
Indeed, the team at the Classic Center exuded such confidence in the 450 SEL’s robust construction that, immediately following my drive, they entrusted it to a pair of German journalists for a cross-country American road trip. “I’m confident it will perform admirably,” Kunz remarked, assured by his team’s thorough inspection and maintenance work to address any potential issues. This speaks volumes about the inherent durability and engineering integrity of these classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
The W116 generation’s design, while undeniably elegant, possesses a certain baroque flair that might not fully align with the current trends in the young-classic car market, which currently favours the sharper lines of 80s and 90s designs. Interestingly, this model was among the final Mercedes-Benz designs penned by Friedrich Geiger, whose illustrious career with the brand began with the iconic 500K of 1933. While W116s may have previously flown under the radar for some, even for those of us who grew up admiring them as the epitome of automotive sophistication, their appeal seems to mature and deepen with time – both for the cars themselves and perhaps for us as enthusiasts. Furthermore, their relatively modest power output and their origins in the Malaise Era have inadvertently contributed to making them arguably the last genuinely affordable generation of the S-Class.
“A decade ago,” Kunz reflected, “you could find exceptionally well-maintained examples of these for £5,000 or £6,000. Now, prices have doubled or even tripled.” However, a significant number of 450 SELs still exist, many with considerable mileage, that can be revitalized with dedicated care and attention. “These represent some of the most over-engineered vehicles Mercedes-Benz has ever produced,” Kunz concluded. For a car of this calibre, 237,000 miles is merely a testament to its enduring quality, suggesting it’s just getting properly run-in. The experience left me contemplating a search on online marketplaces for a 450 SEL of my own, a desire undoubtedly shared by many who appreciate timeless automotive engineering.
