
This 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL shows an original 93k miles and includes long-term records dating back to the 1980's. The car has been single-family owned and was originally owned by a college professor who later passed the car down to his grandson before the selling dealer's acquisition earlier this year. Finished in Medium Red (516) over a Bamboo Leather (204) interior, power comes from a 4.5L V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Equipment includes a power sliding sunroof, automatic climate control, cruise control, a power antenna, front folding armrests, an original Becker radio, and power windows with rear headrests. A full service in April 2025 included a fuel system overhaul, new driveshaft, tires, steering coupler, upper control arms, bushings, AC service, and new front brake rotors and pads. This 450SEL features all original paint and is offered by the selling dealer in California with factory literature, Data Card from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, two keys, extensive service records, and a clean California title.
This long-wheelbase example is finished in Medium Red (516) which the seller notes is all original paint. Chrome brightwork trims the windows, beltline, and both front and rear bumpers. Exterior features include North American sealed beam headlamps, lower fog lamps, a sliding metal sunroof, a power antenna, and dual side view mirrors. In preparation for the sale, a full body paint correction was performed and there is no sign of any corrosion on the body. An original dealer-installed pin stripe is seen along the body line on both sides. Detailed photos of the exterior are viewable in the gallery below.
Original 14” aluminum Bundt wheels are mounted with new Hankook Kinergy tires measuring 205/70 at all four corners and showing 2024 date codes. The new tires were installed in April 2025 along with new front brake rotors and pads, upper control arms, and all bushings.
The interior is trimmed in Bamboo Leather (204) across the seats, headrests, door cards, and armrest. Zebrano veneer accents the dashboard and center console. Interior equipment includes power windows, automatic climate control, cruise control, a functioning original Becker radio, rear headrests, and a factory-optioned power sunroof. The selling dealer retrimmed the seats with new authentic leather covers and foam to replace the original seats were showing some wear with age. Detailed photos of the cabin, carpet, and perforated headliner can be seen in the gallery. The dash is clean with no cracks and the wood trim is all original. The AC system was repaired in April 2025 and is fully operational.
The original steering wheel frames factory instrumentation including a 160-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and an analog odometer showing just over 93k miles. Additional gauges include coolant temperature, oil level, and fuel level. An analog clock is set within the tachometer.
The original 4.5L M117 V8 is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and rated at 180 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque when new. Service records dating back to the 1980's are included in the accompanying binder. An extensive service in April 2025 was carried out on behalf of the selling dealer and included the following:
Two OEM keys come with the car including one new key from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center. This single-family owned 450SEL shows 93k original miles and is offered by the selling dealer in California with factory literature, Data Card from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, two keys, service records, and a clean California title.
Videos showing a walk around and driving functions have been included.
Open Transit:
Enclosed Transit:
The winning bidder will receive an email with the quote and option to proceed with shipping.
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30 Comments
Long way from reserve?? I'm shocked this didn't sell at 20, maybe values are trending up for the non 6.9s tooThanks everyone who participated, but we're a long way from the reserve on this one. I'll keep in mind for any future listings to include undercarriage photos.$20,000 bid placed by @Danielgagne12
$19,750 bid placed by @ProdigalPetrolHead
$19,366 bid placed by @Danielgagne12
$19,116 bid placed by @ProdigalPetrolHead
$18,750 bid placed by @Danielgagne12
$18,500 bid placed by @ProdigalPetrolHead
$18,250 bid placed by @Danielgagne12
$18,000 bid placed by @ProdigalPetrolHead
$17,500 bid placed by @Danielgagne12
$17,250 bid placed by @Nifty50
$17,000 bid placed by @Danielgagne12
$16,750 bid placed by @Nifty50
$16,500 bid placed by @ProdigalPetrolHead
Three additional photos and a video have been added to the listing.I have a few pictures I took when I was waiting for the car to go into the workshop for the repairs we did in April. You can see some of the frame rails there. Most cars that have rust issues will have them all over. These cars are known to develop rust around the C pillars (rear window) for example, and this car has none anywhere. Most of its life was spent in Nevada and California, so little to no rain or snow. I sent the pictures to MB Market. Furthermore, some of the pictures from the photoshoot are at a low angle, where you can see the rocker panels and some of the frame rails as well.@jimseeger Yes, that's a very big risk! Let's hope it's not because it's not very good!I tried making a video showing the undercarriage, but it's too close to see anything. Unfortunately, without access to a lift, I cannot take any pictures or video that would show what it looks like.I shot a video showing the sunroof operation: https://youtu.be/2VD9lmsa4jY$15,750 bid placed by @Danielgagne12
Would need to see good under chassis pics before considering a bid. Looks like a nice car, but. Thank you.$15,500 bid placed by @Nifty50
$15,250 bid placed by @DLC32
@DLC32 Not sure I hear anything abnormal? I'm shifting the gear manually, is it the clicking of the gear lever? What's not 100%? It's a 46-47 year old car, so likely a few things. Every now and then I've sold a car to a first time collector, and I think it's fair to set expectations. All cars suffer greatly from sitting for more than even a month. But on this car, everything works as far as I know, and after the car came out of the shop in April, there were no leaks requiring attention. The last time I drove it, it started right up and drove without issue. I would feel confident packing up my bags in it and driving it to Florida from California. But it's not 100%, no. But probably 95% perfect. I bought two cars this year out of collections, one from a well known collection last summer, and one from a small collection in Florida, Visually perfect, but mechanically a mess. Both took months in the shop getting them roadworthy again. The Mercedes offered here is easily collection quality visually, and mechanically better than most Mercedes of that era on the road today. Does that clarify things?what is the banging sound early in the driving video? what isn't 100%@rbassous I don't have access to a lift, unfortunatelyCan we have some underbody pics?We're down to the last 24h! If you have any questions, now's the time! ALSO: If you have not bid before, please take action now to register your account for bidding, add the Credit Card and make sure it works. If you click bid at the last minute, and you need to add your CC details, you'll likely miss out! We're far from the reserve, so feel free to make some test bids to make sure your account works!@tmt721 Under $30K WOULD be a bargain, wouldn't it?If she sells for under 30 somebody will get a bargain.$15,000 bid placed by @Chef
$14,000 bid placed by @Nifty50
@EricF No rust anywhere. It's INSANELY clean. Even on the chassis, there's nothing to speak of.Can you tell me if there’s any signs of underbody rust? Or rust elsewhere? This model can have rust issues, as I understand it. Thanks.@tmt721 Wheels are just bolt-on modifications, so that's no biggie. But someone applying an AMG kit for example would be a bit of a shame, but to each their own :-)Even if the cruise doesn't work it is an easy fix. As to changing out the wheels, I believe would devalue the car. This is so original to start down that road would be a mistake in my opinion.@manyMB I never tested it really, I'll try it out as soon as the weather lets up.Is the cruise control working 100% properly?$11,000 bid placed by @E3_tilted
@Easyway I actually looked into getting a set, but seeing how original the car currently is, decided to keep it stock.This with a set of AMG Penta wheels would be outrageously cool. Perfect spec!$10,250 bid placed by @mdrei
@tmt721 Thanks! And yes, we're more than happy to assist with shipping this car anywhere!This sel in this condition should be at 30,000 at a minimum. There just not many available that have not been driven into the ground. EU buyer might take if someone in the US fails to bid correctly$10,000 bid placed by @DLC32
$7,750 bid placed by @cory
$7,500 bid placed by @DLC32
$5,750 bid placed by @cory
@DLC32 Yes, AC was repaired earlier this year, and sunroof works perfectly (I guess I forgot to open / close that during the video... I never use sunroofs)AC working properly? Sunroof?$5,500 bid placed by @DLC32
@Allmercs Thanks! And yes, this clean is extremely rare.$5,250 bid placed by @cory
$5,000 bid placed by @manyMB
Absolutely love the color combo on this 116. Almost never see them this nice anymore!Welcome to the auction of our W116 450SEL ! I made a quick video to showcase how it drives. You can see me let go of the steering wheel, indicating it tracks straight. You can also see me do the same right near the end of the video, while braking. The new brake discs and pads doing their job, everything nice and even. You can also see a kickdown, the windows, etc. Everything works on the car. It is not 100% perfect, but close to it, and I think it's safe to say it's by far the best one on the market today, and it will be difficult to find one as good as this any time soon.. Happy to answer questions!$250 bid placed by @Rockynbullwinkle