I recently had the pleasure of attending the Car Design Event Classic in Germany, an event that showcased some truly remarkable automobiles. Among the highlights were visits to the Nationales Automuseum and a stay at the Leica HQ hotel. Several OEMs brought along classic cars, and after asking for your input on which models to explore, I made sure to prioritize your requests.
Driving time was limited to a couple of afternoon sessions. However, thanks to my persistent nature, I managed to secure a longer drive than initially planned. This particular Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9, recently acquired, sported red dealer plates. German regulations dictated that only the owner could drive it, or someone else if the owner was present.
Luckily, one of the event organizers was the owner. Employing my most persuasive British charm, I convinced him to join me for a couple of hours behind the wheel of this magnificent machine.
A Price Tag Three Times That of a Cadillac
Years ago, I owned a 350SE, the 450SEL 6.9’s less potent sibling. A friend, after a fleeting impulse purchase, found the fuel consumption too much to bear and traded it to me for my MkVI Escort 1.6S. Despite a bit of rust on the front fender, the car was remarkably pristine for its age (around 2003). To my surprise, genuine Mercedes-Benz parts were still readily available. For a few exhilarating months, I cruised around East London in this twenty-year-old marvel, averaging around 15mpg. It even featured painted wheel trims, a far cry from today’s alloy designs.
Image credit Car Design Event
Mercedes-Benz in that era embodied understated class, refinement, and unwavering dignity. Unlike the ostentatious Mercedes models seen today, particularly in certain markets, these cars were not about flashy features. You invested in unparalleled build quality and impeccable engineering, attributes that justified their premium price. When the 450SEL 6.9 debuted in 1975, it commanded a price of approximately 70,000DM in Germany. In North America, its MSRP was around $38,230, equivalent to roughly $190,000 today. To put this into perspective, a 1975 Cadillac Seville, then Cadillac’s most expensive model and a direct competitor to European luxury imports like the Mercedes W116, cost $12,400. The 6.9 variant was about 30% more expensive than the smaller-engined versions in the W116 range, such as my old 350SE. Arriving at any prestigious venue in a big Benz of this caliber unequivocally signaled substantial wealth.
Mercedes-Benz had previously installed their largest V8 engine into their flagship sedan with the W109 300SEL 6.3, borrowing the 6.3-liter V8 from the opulent 600 limousine. This model paved the way for the legendary AMG Rote Sau (Red Pig). However, tightening emissions regulations necessitated a larger engine for the new model, leading to the increase in displacement to 6.9 liters (417 cubic inches). Equipped with Bosch mechanical K-Jetronic fuel injection, this engine produced 286 horsepower and, more impressively, over 400 lb-ft of torque. This torque was essential, as this 16’6″ (5-meter) long and substantial sedan weighed approximately 4400lbs (2000kg).
Power Like a Locomotive, Steering Like a Liner
You are acutely aware of the 450SEL 6.9’s weight on the road, but not in a negative way. While contemporary reviews sometimes likened it to a German muscle car, it doesn’t offer that raw, visceral experience. Instead, it’s an unstoppable Autobahn stormer. Depress the long-travel accelerator pedal fully, and sixty miles per hour arrives in just under eight seconds – somewhat restrained by the three-speed automatic transmission. The engine, surprisingly subdued in its sound, unleashes a massive surge of torque that propels you effortlessly to autobahn speeds and beyond. Even at high speeds, the 450SEL 6.9 feels like it could maintain this pace indefinitely, akin to a high-speed train effortlessly cruising between major cities. You would confidently aim this Mercedes at the unrestricted sections of the Autobahn, ready to demonstrate to much younger cars the sheer force of 400 lb-ft of torque at 80mph.
The recirculating ball power steering is both weighty and devoid of feedback. You turn the large steering wheel rim and trust for the best. However, the all-around disc brakes effectively manage the speed, preventing any undignified scraping of door handles when navigating corners in this substantial German automobile. Body roll is present, but well-controlled, preventing any discomfort. Mountainous hairpin turns are not its natural habitat; it’s designed for effortless cruising, not spirited carving. Earlier, while driving a Lancia Delta Integrale, I found myself rapidly approaching this 450SEL 6.9 from behind, urging the driver to accelerate. After experiencing the 6.9 myself, I realized they were likely already maximizing its performance.
Inspired by Ronin: A High-Speed Getaway Machine
There’s a memorable scene in the iconic car chase thriller Ronin, where Robert De Niro’s character, Sam, stands through the sunroof of a 450SEL 6.9 and fires a rocket launcher at a pursuing vehicle at high speed. This audacious act is feasible because the 6.9 was the first Mercedes-Benz equipped with a full self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension system. This system effectively eliminates dive under braking and squat during acceleration, ensuring stability even under extreme maneuvers. If your profession involves clandestine government operations, the 450SEL 6.9 offers ample space for your team and equipment, serving as a remarkably stable high-speed platform. [Ed Note: The director of Ronin, John Frankenheimer, was an owner of a 450SEL 6.9. I had the opportunity to see it at the Petersen Auto Museum. – MH]
While it might lack some of the gadgets of a Cadillac of the era, standard climate control, a feature not always present in lesser models, ensures you remain cool even when the mission becomes complicated.
Image credit classix.se via Car and Classic
However, ownership might induce some perspiration, and not just due to its sheer size. The owner himself had limited experience driving this particular car before generously entrusting me with the keys. It was a learning experience for both of us as we deciphered some of the controls – the US-style umbrella handle parking brake and pedal operation, for example. Adjusting the suspension proved elusive, and the climate controls remained an enigma. The 450SEL 6.9 incorporates numerous unique components compared to other W116 models. The battery alone could likely jump-start a large aircraft. The engine features a dry-sump lubrication system to ensure it fits under the hood, and it requires a substantial 12 liters (approximately 13 quarts) of oil. The EPA fuel economy figures are 10 mpg city and 14 mpg highway. The owner mentioned achieving around 12 imperial mpg, confirming its thirst for fuel.
One can imagine the Mercedes-Benz engineers might have indulged in some early-morning beers when conceiving the 6.9. It’s an extravagant vehicle, yet executed with typically measured and sensible German engineering. It stands as a precursor to the numerous high-performance sedans that followed, including the W124 500E and various AMG models. While a standard 350 or 450 might offer 85% of the experience with marginally better fuel economy, it lacks the unique appeal and potential for financial excitement of the 6.9. If there’s one thing the Germans are known for, it’s their subtle sense of humor, and the 450SEL 6.9 is arguably a prime example.
Image credit Car Design Event
Top graphic: Robert De Niro in Ronin via YouTube screen grab
