
Toby Wilson
Head of Department
LOT 486
1980 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 Saloon Project Registration no. NNX 804V Chassis no. 11603622006781
Fast, well-engineered and luxuriously equipped in Mercedes-Benz's finest tradition, the 450 SEL 6.9 first appeared in 1974 and was hailed by Road & Track magazine as 'the fastest, best sedan in the world'. The new super saloon used the long-wheelbase bodyshell of the larger S-Class fitted with an enlarged and developed version of the overhead-camshaft V8 engine found in its predecessor and the leviathan '600' models. All Mercedes-Benz's latest safety developments were incorporated along with automatic transmission and self-levelling suspension as standard. Top speed was 140mph, with 60mph coming up in seven seconds.
Formerly Swinford Motors' demonstrator, this example has been in dry storage since 1993 and is offered in need of restoration. The engine runs when connected to an auxiliary fuel supply and given a squirt of carburettor cleaner, and shows full oil pressure, while the beige velour interior just needs a clean. It is reported that much of the electrical system is in working order, including all four windows.
The car has had four owners and comes with its service book stamped by Swinford Motors up to 106,000 miles and by one other firm at 134,376 miles (the current odometer reading is circa 218,000 miles). Sold strictly as viewed, the car also comes with handbooks, all MoTs, and a V5C document. Four genuine new-old-stock wings, bought directly from Mercedes, are included in the sale.
Vendor Score Total: 31 /100
Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.
Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well
EXTERIOR TOTAL: 10 /25
Body Work: 2
Paint: 2
Glass: 2
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 2
Wheels/Tyres: 2
RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 4 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 1
Axles: 1
Suspension: 1
Brakes: 1
INTERIOR TOTAL: 7 /20
Seats: 2
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 2
Headlining: 1
Trim: 2
ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 2 /10
Main components: 1
Ancillary components: 1
ENGINE TOTAL: 5 /20
Starting: 1
Running: 1
Under Bonnet: 1
Mechanical components: 2
Car History File: 3








































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