Mercedes-Benz S Class 450 SEL 6.9

• Phenomenal Thistle Green Metallic with matching Velour interior
• The world's fastest saloon of the 1970s
• Arguably the world's greatest car at time of launch
• The most expensive Mercedes of its day with exception to the 600
• One of the best examples for sale anywhere
• Hugely desirable European delivered example
• Great period feel with the original Radio and Car-Phone
• A cinematic icon thanks to Ronin and C'était un rendez-vous
• EU Taxes paid

In 1963, Mercedes-Benz revolutionised the luxury car world with the launch of their new flagship, the 600. It was a car that rewrote the rule book for what a luxury car could do. Historically there had been numerous cars built regardless of cost, the most recent in 1963 being the 1957-60 Cadillac Eldorado Broughams, themselves the world's most expensive car at launch. Just as the Cadillac had astounded the world with its features galore, even items such as memory seats, the Mercedes represented a new Standard of the World. Electricity was nowhere near fast or silent enough to power the accessories in a 600. These were instead powered by a high-pressure hydraulic system, allowing for the windows and seats to be adjusted at high-speed in complete silence. The other big revelation in the Mercedes 600 was the introduction of the new M100 Engine, a 6.3 Litre V8 with Mechanical Fuel Injection. Despite its size and weight, the M100 engine managed to make the 600 the fastest car in Mercedes lineup, out-performing Mercedes new sports model the 230SL.

In 1968, Mercedes would revolutionise the car world again, this time with the performance saloon. The 300SEL 6.3 and it's story are legendary, born out of Eric Waxenberger's vision for a high-performance Mercedes, a concept which received the support and approval of Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the father of the 300SL, 300SLR and forever associated with Mercedes dominant racing program from the 1930s to the 1950s. When it launched, the 6.3 was the world's fastest saloon, out-accelerating some of the fastest cars of its day such as the Porsche 911S and on par with the acceleration of a Ferrari 365 GTC. It was able to do this whilst providing exceptional comfort thanks to its air suspension whilst also handling brilliantly. This allowed them to also prove successful on the track, winning a race in Macau and later providing the basis for AMG when they raced their extensively modified "Red Pig" in the 24 Hours of Spa, coming second overall, no mean feat for a luxury saloon.

In 1972, production of the 6.3 ceased with the end of the W108 and 109 S-Class and so the time came for a successor in 1975, several years after the W116 model had established itself. This new model, based on the flagship 450 SEL was once again to be fitted with the M100 engine, now bored out to 6.8 litres, a change made necessary to make up for the power losses incurred by catalytic converters and unleaded fuel which were being introduced in the US at the time. Despite its displacement, the 450SEL was badged as a 6.9 to tie in with German tax rules re engine size and like its 600 and 6.3 predecessors, it soon proved itself as another icon.

Once again, the Mercedes was the world's fastest production saloon car and this time was a significantly more refined package than its predecessor, owing to more development and factory backing. They aren't as animalistic as the 6.3 which held higher acceleration figures but the 6.9 was still an incredibly fast car with a much higher top speed, now capable of 149mph. Air suspension had been changed for a new Mercedes developed Hydropneumatic system, akin to Citroen's but very much Mercedes' own. The 6.9 proved to be an enormous success, outselling the 6.3 and proving a mainstay with celebrities, race drivers and pop culture alike. F1 drivers James Hunt, Emerson Fittipaldi, Ronnie Peterson and Alan Jones all owned 6.9s, David Bowie apparently owned one as well as Frank Sinatra and the Shah of Iran. They also proved particularly significant in France with legendary actor Alain Delon owning one as well as French singer Claude "CloClo" Francois whose 6.9 helped save his life as he randomly found himself being chased for 20km by two armed thugs in a Citroen CX who shot at the singer during the pursuit, the 6.9 receiving 7 bullet holes in the incident. Perhaps most iconic of all was one owned by French film director and petrolhead Claude Lelouch who infamously drove his at breakneck speed through the streets of early morning Paris with the sounds of a 275 GTB dubbed over in the film C'etait un rendezvous. He had wanted to film with the 275 but the ride over Parisian cobbles would've made the camera shake too much and so he used the 6.9 which could easily be driven flat out whilst providing a perfect, smooth ride. A Milan Brown 6.9 was made famous later in a phenomenal chase sequence in the film Ronin in which Jean Reno and Robert De Niro pilot one in anger in the South of France, De Niro famously shoots a car with a rocket launcher from the sunroof of the Mercedes.

The Mercedes 6.9 is an absolute icon for the brand and one that's impact has lasted for decades beyond its time. Despite their popularity, due to cost of restoration compared to their value, the majority of examples around are higher mileage, tired cars with 150, 200,000 miles if not more. Great 6.9s are few and far between and that's what makes this car so special. Finished in the spectacular combination of Thistle Green with matching Olive Velour interior, this 6.9 is by far and away one of the best 6.9s we've had the pleasure of owning. The period colours are already exceptional on their own but this is only further complimented by ridiculously cool period features such as the original Blaupunkt Radio and best of all the Car-Phone which is guaranteed to make a cool car cooler. The car remains very fast, comfortable and quiet, possessing all the qualities that made 6.9s so special when they were first launched. The car is a hugely desirable European supplied example, significantly more powerful and better looking than the US-spec examples which were afflicted with the customary large impact bumpers and a higher standard suspension setting. At 78,000 miles, it is also a very low mileage example for the model with most having covered hundreds of thousands of miles. It truly is one of the best 6.9s you could ever wish to find anywhere and not to be missed!

Now available for viewing at the DD Classics Dealership in London, please call 0208 878 33 55 to book an appointment.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the above information but errors may occur. Please check with a salesperson.