Stepping into a classic 450 Sel Mercedes Benz is an experience that transcends mere driving; it’s a sensory immersion into an era of automotive craftsmanship. The first greeting is olfactory – a distinctive aroma of warm oil, unburnt fuel, and the subtle outgassing of meticulously chosen materials. Engineers at Mercedes, with unwavering dedication, selected plastics, wood, leather, and laminates built to endure, setting the stage for a journey through time and engineering excellence.
Then, the steering wheel commands attention. A generously sized, thin-rimmed circle, reminiscent of a metal trash can lid, it sits purposefully close to the driver’s lap. This non-adjustable tiller, part of a finger-light recirculating ball system, is intentionally designed with on-center play. This feature, seemingly unusual by modern standards, was a deliberate engineering choice to minimize driver fatigue during high-speed Autobahn cruising, the very environment for which the first true S-Class, the 450 SEL, was conceived to conquer. Driving this classic sedan isn’t about sharp, precise steering; it’s about providing gentle, suggestive inputs, a style that demands a different kind of engagement from the modern driver accustomed to immediate responses. Navigating the winding, fog-laden California Highway 1 in Big Sur in a 1979 450 SEL presents a unique set of delightful challenges, a dance between vintage engineering and breathtaking scenery.
Behind this iconic steering wheel lies a tableau of quintessential 1970s Benz VDO gauges – clear, functional, and refreshingly devoid of the distracting active warning lights that populate modern dashboards. This particular 450 SEL, a prized possession of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, a dedicated arm of Mercedes Benz USA focused on the preservation, restoration, and heritage of the marque, boasts an odometer reading that tells a story of endurance: 237,000 miles at the journey’s end. Remarkably, the car remained free of squeaks or rattles, a testament to its inherent build quality and the meticulous care it has received. It ran flawlessly, a rolling exhibit of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to longevity.
Mike Kunz, the affable director of the Classic Center, shared the intriguing acquisition story of this 450 SEL Mercedes Benz: “We bought this car for a dollar.” The previous owner’s wish to donate it to a museum and his mother’s determination to honor his request led it to the Classic Center’s custodianship, a testament to the enduring appeal of these vehicles.
Upon arrival at the Classic Center, the 450 SEL showcased period-correct modifications reflecting the aesthetic trends of its time. “It featured the gold kit, a popular embellishment in certain regions during that era,” Kunz explained. This included gold accents on the star hood ornament, the rear script, the grille badge, and the locking centers of the Centra flat-surface chromed wheels. While these modifications are a snapshot of a specific era’s taste, the Classic Center prioritizes originality and authenticity in its collection.
Similarly, the 450 SEL initially arrived with an aftermarket 800-watt stereo system complete with substantial subwoofers and door speakers. In the pursuit of historical accuracy, “We removed it and installed a proper Becker Mexico,” Kunz stated, reverting the audio system to its period-correct configuration. While the modern audio might have offered a different sound experience, the Becker Mexico radio, with its functioning antenna seeking out classical music on NPR, contributed to the authentic vintage ambiance. With the expansive sunroof open, nearly a third of the roof retracting to welcome the sea air, the drive in the 450 SEL became an exercise in refined, classic motoring.
Despite its air of competence and solidity, the 450 SEL Mercedes Benz was not built for outright speed. The 4.5-liter V8 engine, constrained by emissions regulations of the time, produced a modest 190 horsepower. However, its redeeming grace lay in the robust 240 lb-ft of torque. True to the S-Class character of the era, it favored a smooth, unhurried departure, typically starting in second gear unless urged into first with a firm press of the accelerator past the kickdown point. Yet, the V8’s inherent torque delivered a palpable sense of power, especially at cruising speeds. Accelerating from 45 to 75 mph was a genuinely pleasurable experience. The braking system, featuring four-wheel discs (with optional ABS, an industry first in 1979), was consistent and well-modulated, reinforcing the overall sense of security and dependability that permeated every aspect of the car.
Such was the confidence in the 450 SEL’s robust engineering that Kunz and his team entrusted it to a pair of German journalists for a cross-country drive across America immediately after this test drive. “I think it will be fine,” Kunz remarked, assured by his team’s thorough inspection and maintenance work, highlighting the inherent reliability of these meticulously engineered machines.
The W116 generation’s somewhat baroque styling might not align perfectly with the current fervor for 80s and 90s young-classic designs. This model represents the culmination of Friedrich Geiger’s design tenure at Mercedes-Benz, a career that began with the iconic 500K of 1933. While the W116 might have been overlooked in the past, with the passage of time, its design has aged gracefully, gaining a newfound appreciation. Furthermore, the 450 SEL, hailing from the Malaise Era with its power-restricted engines, stands as one of the last relatively affordable classic S-Class models.
“A decade ago, exceptional examples could be found for $7,000 or $8,000,” Kunz noted. “Now, values have doubled or tripled.” However, many 450 SEL Mercedes Benz models, with varying mileages and conditions, are still available and can be revitalized with dedicated care. “These were among the most over-engineered vehicles Mercedes Benz ever produced,” Kunz emphasized, underscoring their inherent durability and potential for restoration.
In a car engineered to such exacting standards, 237,000 miles is merely a testament to its enduring nature, a sign that it’s just getting into its stride. The experience behind the wheel of the 450 SEL leaves a lasting impression, sparking a desire to seek out and perhaps own a piece of this enduring Mercedes-Benz legacy.
