The first impression was unmistakable: the scent. That unique aroma of warm engine oil, a hint of unburnt gasoline, and the perpetual outgassing of meticulously chosen plastic, wood, leather, and laminates. These materials, selected by Mercedes engineers with an almost obsessive dedication, were designed to endure for generations. Then, naturally, your hands meet the steering wheel. A vast circle, akin to the lid of a metal trash can, the slender-rimmed wheel – fixed in place, positioned rather close to the driver’s lap – possesses a deliberate amount of on-center play. This feature, a hallmark of the feather-light recirculating ball system, was intentionally engineered to minimize driver fatigue during high-speed Autobahn journeys, the very purpose for which this car, the inaugural true S-Class, was conceived. Driving isn’t so much about direct steering input as it is providing subtle directional suggestions. This characteristic presents a unique set of challenges when navigating the winding stretches of California Highway 1, enveloped in fog, during a 40-mile journey through the breathtaking scenery of Big Sur in a 1979 450 SEL sedan.
Behind the expansive steering wheel lay a collection of quintessential 1970s Benz VDO gauges, notably devoid of any active warning lights. This particular 450 SEL model belongs to the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, a dedicated division of Mercedes Benz USA entrusted with the preservation, restoration, acquisition, and sale of vintage vehicles bearing the iconic three-pointed star. Among the array of gauges, the odometer stood out, displaying a robust 237,000 miles by the end of my drive. Remarkably, the car remained free of squeaks or rattles, and its performance was flawless.
“We acquired this Benz 450 SEL for a mere dollar,” recounts Mike Kunz, the affable director of the Classic Center. “The previous owner passed away and wished to donate it to a museum. His mother was determined to fulfill his wishes, and they persisted until we gladly accepted it.”
Upon its arrival at the Classic Center, the 450 SEL featured several period-appropriate modifications. “It had the gold trim package, a popular customization in certain regions during that era. This included gold accents on the star hood ornament, the rear script, the grille badge, and even the locking centers of the Centra flat-surface chromed wheels,” Kunz explained. When I mentioned my preference to have retained these gold embellishments, he responded with a look of disbelief, as if I had suggested fitting a Brabus body kit to a classic Gullwing.
The SEL also came equipped with a powerful 800-watt aftermarket stereo system, complete with substantial subwoofers and door speakers. “We removed it and installed a period-correct Becker Mexico radio,” Kunz stated. While I regretted not bringing along some of my vintage mixtapes, the car’s antenna smoothly extended and retracted, allowing me to tune into classical music on the local NPR station. With the generously sized sunroof – almost as large as the steering wheel, opening up nearly the entire front third of the roof – fully retracted and the invigorating sea air flowing in, I felt an undeniable sense of luxury and refinement in this classic Benz 450 SEL.
Despite its confident and composed demeanor, this S-Class, the Benz 450 SEL, wasn’t built for outright speed. The 4.5-liter V8 engine, constrained by emissions regulations of the time, 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 character of that generation, it prefers a smooth, unhurried start, typically setting off in second gear unless prompted to engage first by firmly pressing the accelerator past the kickdown point. The resonant V8’s torque provided a feeling of strength, particularly at cruising speeds. Accelerating from 45 to 75 mph was a genuinely enjoyable experience. Braking, handled by four-wheel disc brakes (ABS was offered as an option starting in 1979, marking its industry-first production application), was consistent and well-modulated, inspiring confidence, much like every other aspect of this meticulously engineered car.
In fact, Kunz and his team possessed such unwavering faith in the robustness of this S-Class, this Benz 450 SEL, that immediately following my drive, they entrusted it to a pair of German journalists for a cross-country American road trip. “I anticipate it will perform admirably,” Kunz remarked, confident in his team’s thorough inspection and resolution of any potential underlying issues.
The W116 generation’s somewhat ornate design might limit its widespread appeal in today’s young-classic car market, which often gravitates towards the more angular aesthetics of the 1980s and 1990s. (This particular model was among the final Mercedes-Benz designs overseen by Friedrich Geiger, whose illustrious career with the brand commenced, remarkably, with the iconic 500K of 1933.) I hadn’t given much consideration to the W116 series, even though it represented the pinnacle of automotive sophistication during my early childhood. However, like many things, with the passage of time – both for the car and myself – their design has aged gracefully, becoming increasingly attractive. Furthermore, due to their relatively modest power output, a consequence of the Malaise Era, they represent perhaps the last genuinely affordable entry point into classic S-Class ownership.
“A decade ago, you could acquire exceptionally well-maintained examples of the Benz Sel 450 for around $7,000 or $8,000,” Kunz noted. “Now, values have doubled or even tripled.” Yet, numerous examples, similar to this one, with varying mileages, remain available, capable of being revitalized with dedicated care. “These cars were among the most excessively engineered vehicles ever produced by Mercedes Benz,” Kunz emphasized.
With a car of this caliber, 237,000 miles is simply considered properly broken in. I find myself already browsing Facebook Marketplace, searching for a Benz 450 SEL of my own, eager to experience the enduring legacy of this remarkable classic Mercedes-Benz.
