Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 made its debut 45 years ago

  • The 8-cylinder engine with a displacement of 6.9 litres and 210 kW (286 hp) reaches a top speed of 225 km/h
  • Brave introduction in the wake of the oil shock
  • Press review: the “world’s best vehicle” and showing “courage” and “optimism about the future”

A clear commitment to power 45 years ago: in spring 1975 Mercedes-Benz introduced model series 116’s new, top-of-the-line model, the 450 SEL 6.9. The high-performance saloon was one of the fastest vehicles at the time, as only very few sports cars were able to reach even higher speeds. Nowadays, it’s a sought-after classic. “The 450 SEL 6.9 is a brand icon,” Patrik Gottwick says as the Head of ALL TIME STARS, Mercedes-Benz Classic’s own vehicle retailer. “Model series 116 vehicles have become very sought-after on the market, especially the ones with 6.9-litre M 100 engine. We have noticed a significant increase in demand over the past years and recent auction results show that the value of the 450 SEL 6.9 is on the up. The reasons for this being its levels of refined motoring, everyday qualities as a classic car and the very low production numbers of a mere 7380 vehicles.”

Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 made its debut 45 years ago