1979 Mercedes-Benz W116 – Project Profile

Some cars are built to stand the test of time. You look at them and know that if someone pushed the big red button, or if the zombies rise up, these cars would still be there. Working flawlessly. Wheeled granite, formidable forces of forward motion, these cars are the classics we lust after. A case in point would be the legendary W116 S Class Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9, which is a name that is far too long, frankly. But we’ll let it slide because, well, look at it. That is one handsome and sturdy-looking machine. You could drive that through a military class frigate and come out the other side without a scratch. 

Okay, you couldn’t. We were employing considerable hyperbole there under the thinly veiled guise of editorial licence. However, while it might not be ship or zombie-proof in reality, the fact remains a W116 will happily make you think it is. These cars were the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering. Built by hand and with hours of care and dedication, the W116 was built to last, as long as they were looked after. The fit and finish was class-leading and still has the potential to make some new cars blush. The handling was incredible thanks to the clever hydropneumatic suspension and impressive brakes, and performance was plentiful, especially in 6.9 V8 guise, as is the case here. In fact, the 450SEL 6.9 is the daddy of the W116 range. This is the one you want, the one that best represents this generation of S Class.

The W116 found popularity with dignitaries, with leaders of industry, with F1 drivers and even within Hollywood. Remember 1998’s car chase bonanza, Ronin? One of the star cars in that film was a 450SEL 6.9. So basically, old Bob de Niro likes them, making the W116 cooler than a penguin’s bottom. 

What is it? 

It’s the flagship Mercedes-Benz of the 1970s, and being the 6.9 it’s the one to have. But there is more to the story than that. The car, which is currently for sale with Mercedes-Benz specialists, Edward Hall, is not like any other W116 you will have seen. Yes, it has that mighty 6.9 complete with fuel injection, but there’s more. First of all, there is the fact that this one is painted in a rare shade of blue – most were more muted, or just silver. That’s not all though.

Apparently, the original owner of this W116 wanted the W116 face and the W116 pace, but not the W116 interior. As such, he ordered the car from Cambridge Motors in Cheltenham in the August of ‘79 and rather than taking delivery, he instead had the car shipped to Rolls Royce. The interior trimmers were then commissioned to gut the innards of the new 6.9 and replace it all with trim more befitting that of a Rolls. As such, this W116 is like no other. 

The seats have not only been re-trimmed, they have been reshaped, they’re covered in rich Connolly hide in cream and blue, there are walnut elements, cappings and fold-out tables, the carpets were changed and even that dashboard was trimmed. Oh, and there is a drinks cabinet in the back, still complete with the cut crystal glasses and decanter. Exquisite. 

Why is it a project? 

The now 100,234 mile Mercedes-Benz is in need of some gentle love, basically. The current owner has owned the car for some two decades, during which time it has had very little use. Having been kept indoors, Edward Hall is of the opinion that the car is exceptionally solid, and as such, is in need of a mechanical overhaul more than anything else. The engine runs and the gearbox shifts but both would benefit from a full service. The engine in particular needs the fuel system to be freshened up and in places, replaced. 

What this tired old car needs is to be gently revived. A thorough and no expense spared service, a detailed inspection and a bit of a clean and it should be there. The car has been resprayed already, the wheels have been refurbished and the tyres have been replaced, so there is nothing visually to contend with other than the interior. The guys at Edward Hall are of the opinion that it should all clean up quite well, rather than being in need of replacement.

Five things to look for:

1) Suspension

Happily, this car is at Edward Hall and they know all about these cars, so you can take what they say as gospel. However, it never hurts to have a look yourself, as a second set of eyes may spot something. The suspension system is incredibly complicated and expensive should it fail, so check for any signs of perished or cracking rubber parts. 

2) Engine

The V8 engine is pretty rock solid. Furthermore, this car seems to have lived a cherished life. That said, there are still things to look out for. It should sound clean and healthy, there should be no untoward tapping or rattling. Driven by a timing chain rather than a belt, this again should be silent. 

3) Interior

The bespoke nature of this car’s interior is going to need the attention of a specialist. If anything does need to be repaired or replaced, you’re not going to be able to buy anything off the shelf or even from another W116. 

4) Chassis 

Again, Edward Hall know their stuff, but again, it never hurts to have a look yourself. W116s were prone to rotting from the inside out, meaning that by the time you see the rot, it’s too late. You’re looking for any scrapes, dings or damage that could provide a way in for the rust. 

5) Climate Control

The climate control system fitted to the W116 in ‘76 featured an iffy design that rerouted coolant through the heater core. A servo within the system was prone to splitting, consequently dumping coolant everywhere. Being a ‘79, this car may have a more modern system fitted, but it’s worth checking. 

What should you do with it? 

The answer here is simple – fix up the old girl and enjoy the fruits of your labour. With just 100k on the clock, the mileage is low and as such, there are many years of motoring left to be had. Get this W116 back up to spec, give the interior a freshen, service that beastly engine and you’ll be left with a car that will take you anywhere. Want to go to the South of France, waft there is style and with pace. Want to have a big toy that can fit the whole family, then here you go? Or perhaps you have a tiny commute and as such, the 6.9s woeful fuel economy isn’t an issue. 

Whatever your motoring wont, the W116 can satisfy it. Plus, as we’ve said in the past, there is nothing quite like looking down the bonnet at that glorious three-pointed star. And when you can do so in a flagship car for, when done, less than twenty grand, you can’t beat it.