jh36
jh36 HalfDork
3/29/21 9:12 p.m.

I bought this car about 8 years ago because it was incredibly clean and rust free.  I've put a bit of money into it, and sorted out a few things.  

It is a 1976 450SEL, the long wheelbase flagship of the era.  It is also generally known as the first "S class" Mercedes.  While my kid-hood was spent trying to convince my dad to buy a 427 Cobra fro $10K (come on dad...they are going to be worth twice as much soon!) and I lusted for a Ferrari Daytona or a 930 Turbo, this particular sedan stood out to me.  Maybe because Lauda and Hunt drove the 6.9 versions, or maybe just for the lines.  I liked the lines then, and i like them now.  Anywho.....

I bought the car and have enjoyed it.  It is extremely modern feeling on the road.  It is big.  But like any good road car, it closes in on you as it drives.  
The good.  It is super clean, inside and out.  Topside and bottom.  Most things work.  What doesn't, I will list.

THE CONS:  There is a stain on the rear deck carpet.  I've meant to replace it, but never have.

The passenger electric window makes noise when it goes up.

The vacuum controled door locks do not work.  You have to lock them individually, by hand.

It needs two front tires.

There is an exhaust manifold tick that I may have fixed last weekend...it needs a little driving time to be sure.

It has always had a hot start issue.  My son discovered that when it is acting up, you can slowly depress the gas and catch the sweet spot.  The fuel pressure system has all been replaced by said son.  It might be vapor lock or a vacuum leak.

The rubber seal on the windshield and rear glass are cracking, but it doesn't leak.  I didn't want to risk cracking the original glass replacing them.

The driver's seat used to have a rip in it.  I bought the correct leather seat and stuffing and had that done professionally.  It looks mint. 

There are some hairline cracks in the rosewood dash at the temp controls.

THE PROS:

It is incredibly clean and free of issues.

The car is very usable in the modern sense.  I drive it to work probably 8-10 times a year.  

It is pretty famous for being bulletproof.

Stuff works.  Like the power sunroof, the retracting antenna, power windows.

$13,000

 

 

jh36
jh36 HalfDork
3/29/21 9:16 p.m.

jh36
jh36 HalfDork
3/29/21 9:16 p.m.

jh36
jh36 HalfDork
3/29/21 9:22 p.m.

jh36
jh36 HalfDork
3/29/21 9:29 p.m.

jh36
jh36 HalfDork
3/31/21 5:29 a.m.

I failed to mention, this car has the optional, genuine leather. Not the MB-Tex simulated leather. When I re-did the driver seat, I did match with real leather as well. 
 

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
4/4/21 6:13 p.m.

Dang. That is striking.

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