1977 Mercedes-benz 450 4D SEDAN SE

The W116-series was launched in Europe in late 1972, replacing the W108 and W109 lines which came before it. It represented a significant leap forward for Mercedes-Benz, introducing a raft of styling and engineering advancements which set the tone for the brand for the following thirty years. It was the first Mercedes flagship line to be known officially as the “S-Class” (short for the German ‘Sonderklasse’ or ‘special class’) and went on to enjoy significant sales success right through to the end of its run in 1980. The 450SE version of the W116 was crowned European Car of the Year for 1974, just one example of the enviable critical acclaim which the 116 earned for itself internationally.

We are very proud to be able to offer this extraordinary and storied example of the W116, arguably the best one of its kind on offer at the moment. It is an Australian-compliance 450SE, a comparatively rare car due to the fact that the majority of 450s for Australia were ordered in the long-wheelbase (SEL) format. This particular vehicle is finished in Grey Blue metallic (code 906), with a parchment leather interior highlighted by lustrous zebrano timber trim. It has covered a remarkably low 117,736km from new, and comes complete with all the original factory literature, up-to-date service log book, Becker radio manuals and more, all contained within the factory valise. The vehicle was ordered by celebrated heart surgeon the late Dr. Victor Chang initially for his father, and later became part of Dr. Chang’s own personal vehicle collection in Sydney in 1987. We have documentation of its ordering history in correspondence with the Mercedes-Benz Classic Centre (part of the Daimler-Benz Museum in Stuttgart) confirming its build specification.

The vehicle presents in exceptional condition, and has had considerable money invested in it over recent years (details are available on request) with a large number of receipts to verify that it has been meticulously maintained. The interior is undamaged by either the years or the sun’s rays, with all the leather (including the back seat and four headrests) as supple as ever. The W116 was known for the propensity of its dashboards to crack from the effects of prolonged UV exposure, but the dash on this vehicle is utterly unblemished. The car’s features (including the original Becker Monza AM/FM radio cassette, complete with its manuals and OEM electric Hirschmann aerial) work perfectly, and the factory fitted fully-integrated BEHR air-conditioning offers ice-cold cooling on demand. Even the original factory first-aid kit remains in its compartment within the rear parcel shelf. The M117-engined 4.5L V8 pulls strongly and crisply, with a magnificent V8 timbre to delight the Mercedes enthusiast. The car also sits on 14-inch “Baroque” factory alloy wheels, shod with quality tyres set off by period-correct whitewalls. It is further set apart by the fitment of OEM under-bumper foglights, W100-style chrome wheel-arch garnishes and the inclusion of classic MB rattan-style floormats.

With is exceptional condition, stunning colour combination, first-class provenance, doting maintenance history and increasing rarity we believe that this unique and very low kilometre 116 offers an excellent investment opportunity for the Mercedes enthusiast or collector of classic 20th Century motor vehicles. It is ready to be enjoyed by its new owner with nothing required to be spent, and we invite you to make an appointment with us as soon as possible to view it in person. The vehicle has previously been registered on historic plates with the Mercedes-Benz Club of NSW, but is currently on full registration in NSW.

We are a boutique dealership located in a warehouse just 15 minutes from the Sydney CBD and 15 minutes from the airport. We pride ourselves on the quality of our cars and specialise in Mercedes-Benz. Our stock is hand-picked and each car is meticulously checked prior to being offered for sale by a specialist third-party technician. We are MTA members and agents for NSW Roads and Maritime Services, enabling us to transfer registrations and perform other transactions such as number plate transfer from our office. A range of other services is also offered including the transport of cars to any state or overseas, and competitive financing rates for all cars including older ones. Our showroom is indoors and off-street parking is available for our customers inside. We are Mercedes-Benz Club members and specialise in the brand, and aim to provide our customers with a high level of personalised service befitting of the unique cars that we offer.