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1973 Mercedes Benz 450SEL - Concours Winner!

Location: Ellicott City, Maryland, United States
Condition: Used
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: 400-Series
Type: Sedan
Trim: 450SEL
Year: 1973
Mileage: 70100
VIN: 11603312011989
Color: Silver Green Metallic
Engine size: M117 V8
Number of cylinders: 8
Power options: Power Windows
Transmission: Automatic
Interior color: Forest Green
Vehicle Title: Clear

1973 Mercedes-Benz 400-Series 450SEL Description

This is a very sound and beautiful example of the 1st year production of the Mercedes W116 S Klasse long body V8 cruiser. As a 1973 model this 450SEL has the smaller and more elegant non-obtrusive bumpers as compared to the models in later years. In 1973 it was considered revolutionary and won the honor as European Car of the Year. Car and Driver called the 450SEL the "best car in the world".

This particular vehicle for sale was a Concours Award Winner at the Greater Washington Section of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, August 2017.
I am quite meticulous and have gone through the entire car since I have owned it over the last four years and replaced or repaired nearly everything that required attention, primarily using genuine Mercedes parts. The only items left to address is the vacuum locking system and the A/C. As I have been driving this wonderful car sparingly these haven't been urgent issues for me. It would be great to diagnose and learn about these two systems but too many demands on my time recently. I believe the A/C compressor is running so possibly not a difficult fix.

Mechanics

Mileage/odometer -70K miles. I do not have historical service records however two independent Mercedes mechanics concluded that the mileage is likely to be correctgiven the condition of the engine/overall vehicle.

Bullet proof V8 4.5 liter M117 engine recently tuned by a seasoned mechanic at JPC Racing in Millersville, MD.New spark plugs,spark plug wires, distributor cap and injectors.

Valve adjustment done and timing chain checked/in good condition.

New water pump and professionally cleaned/serviced metal radiator.

Front-end/Suspension and steering - All new four Bilstein shocks and front end/suspension, ball joints, tie rods replaced with new parts. Rebuilt steering box installed as well as rear sway bar links.

New Michelin Defender tires/nitrogen filled followed by a front-end alignment. Drives comfortably and straight as an arrow.

Engine compartment completely detailed – beautiful!

Chrome valve covers installed and originals will be included with the car.

All fluids and filters replaced.

Exterior

No rust/was Ziebart treated at some point. I have never driven it in the winter.

Paint was a bit dull and minor rock chips when I received the car so I had it re-painted in the original color Silver Green Metallic. Looking very nice.

New windshield seal and trunk seal installed.

Interior

The interior is in magnificent condition.The door panels are pristine as are the carpets and headliner. Some have told me that green isn’t popular but for me it works. I don’t know the official Mercedes color but I would call it dark green or forest green. I like it better than the red or blue but it’s a personal preference. The rear seats are excellent but could use more "stuffing".

Original Becker Mexico Radio/Cassette professionally serviced by Becker Autosound in New Jersey 3 years ago. Updated new rear deck speakers installed.

Handling/Driving

Start the car up and she idles very smooth and has great power through the gears. This is a true driver’s car it handles amazing and sticks to the road through the curves. Very tight suspension and handling (new alignment after I put on the new tires and replaced the steering gear box, suspension, and re-did much of the front end. I recently put some miles on her as my daily driver was in the shop. So nice to drive/had 2nd thoughts about selling but we are planning to move overseas/downsize so needs to go to the next loving custodian of this fine classic.

See additional photos at:https://1973mercedes450sel.blogspot.com

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