1979 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9

The Mercedes-Benz SEL450 6.9 was presented to the public at the Geneva Auto Show in 1974. The 6.9 had the first Mercedes-Benz full hydro-pneumatic suspension system and was the world’s first passenger car to be fitted with a modern form of ABS, in 1978. A very limited number of the 6.9 were produced from 1975 to 1980. The total production was 7,380 units, with 1,816 exported to the North American markets (U.S. and Canada) from 1977 to 1981. For several years, the 450SEL 6.9 was the quickest-accelerating and fastest saloon in the world, reaching 62mph (100 km/h) in 7.4 seconds and 140 mph (225 km/h) top speed.

This SEL450 6.9 is part of the collection of Mercedes-Benz Master Mechanic, Siegfried Linke, and was formerly driven by a prominent Seattle attorney. It has been garaged and dormant for a decade. Recently revived, it starts, runs, and drives, and the suspension system raises and lowers properly.

In its previous life, this car was driven from Seattle to Pebble Beach, and back, in about 12 hours each way. The SEL450 6.9s are fabulous pieces of history and were the fastest production sedans in their day. This one will need basic servicing but will make a fine platform for restoration.

The Mercedes-Benz SEL450 6.9 was presented to the public at the Geneva Auto Show in 1974. The 6.9 had the first Mercedes-Benz full hydro-pneumatic suspension system and was the world’s first passenger car to be fitted with a modern form of ABS, in 1978. A very limited number of the 6.9 were produced from 1975 to 1980. The total production was 7,380 units, with 1,816 exported to the North American markets (U.S. and Canada) from 1977 to 1981. For several years, the 450SEL 6.9 was the quickest-accelerating and fastest saloon in the world, reaching 62mph (100 km/h) in 7.4 seconds and 140 mph (225 km/h) top speed.

This SEL450 6.9 is part of the collection of Mercedes-Benz Master Mechanic, Siegfried Linke, and was formerly driven by a prominent Seattle attorney. It has been garaged and dormant for a decade. Recently revived, it starts, runs, and drives, and the suspension system raises and lowers properly.

In its previous life, this car was driven from Seattle to Pebble Beach, and back, in about 12 hours each way. The SEL450 6.9s are fabulous pieces of history and were the fastest production sedans in their day. This one will need basic servicing but will make a fine platform for restoration.

Key details
Transmission: 3-spd. Auto
VIN / chassis: 116 036 12 006281

Offered by Cosmopolitan Motors, 6525 Kitsap Way, Bremerton, WA 98312. Taxes, title and fees not included.

Photos courtesy of Cosmopolitan Motors.