Mercedes 450SEL 6.9
ENGINE 6834cc/V8/OHC POWER 286bhp@4250rpm TORQUE 420lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 140mph 0-60MPH 7.4sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 10-15mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed automatic MoT February 2019 ODOMETER 112,932 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Point this SEL’s three-pointed star at a poorly-maintained bit of B-road and you’ll learn that the hydropneumatic suspension is working a treat, happily soaking up the bumps with no bangs or rattles. The threespeed auto gearbox engages smoothly and kickdown works the instant you plant your right foot, summoning the smooth V8 into action. There are no signs of misfires or rough running and it still pulls as well as Mercedes intended. The power-assisted steering is light, free and positive, with no signs of play, and the brakes bring the car cleanly to a halt with no juddering or squealing.
BODYWORK CHECK
There are a couple of stone chips on the leading edge of the bonnet and below the headlights, but otherwise the Milan Brown paint is in good condition, with an even, consistent shine and no signs of bubbling or surface rust. Panel gaps are even throughout, the chrome has been well lookedafter and the tidy 14-inch alloys are shod with matching Toyos with plenty of life left in them. The only other blemishes are two small chips in the windscreen.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The car’s previous owner spent £9k refurbishing this Mercedes’ cabin – and it shows. The clothtrimmed seats are in excellent condition, the headline is taut and all the electric gadgets – including the power-operated sunroof – work as they should. There’s no sign of damp in the footwells, and while there are two small cracks in the top of the dashboard trim, it’s otherwise all in very good order. The aftermarket Pioneer CD player works correctly and it’s not often that we get to check the condition of a car’s rear curtains (they’re fine)…
UNDER THE BONNET
There are no signs of any fluid leaks from the big V8 and the pipes and auxiliary components all appear to have been well looked-after. It’s surrounded by inner wings that are free from corrosion and a bulkhead that looks to be in solid condition. There’s also plenty of paperwork to vouch for the fact that it’s been cherished by its US former owner and its current custodians here in the UK, although there’s scant paperwork for its earlier owners in Qatar and Germany. It’s a well-travelled SEL, but one that’s been looked after along the way.
THE CCW VIEW
There are a couple of cosmetic blemishes to iron out and we’d recommend sorting out the windscreen chips before they develop into a potentially pricier replacement, but otherwise this SEL looks and drives like an example that’s clearly been cherished. The only other thing we’d change is that CD player for a late ‘70s Blaupunkt unit – which says a lot for this Mercedes.
PROS Drives beautifully, recent interior overhaul CONS LHD, a few very minor things to sort