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LOT 145

1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL Chassis no. 116033-12-009935

Sold for US$24,640 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 145

1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL

1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL
Chassis no. 116033-12-009935


4,506cc SOHC V8 Engine
Bosch D-Jetronic Fuel Injection
190hp at 5000rpm
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
Double Wishbone with Coil Springs Front suspension and Swing Axle with Coil Springs Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Expertly maintained by Edelbrock family for its entire life
*Bought new by Vic Edelbrock Sr.'s wife, Katie Edelbrock-Higgins
*Less than 88,000 documented miles
*Full portfolio of documentation with service records



THE MERCEDES-BENZ 450 SEL

In 1972 Mercedes-Benz launched the first-generation S-Class luxury model, known as W116 internally, to complete the manufacturer's burgeoning line-up. Emphasizing the superiority of the model, it was officially promoted as the 450 SEL: S for Sonderklasse (Special Class), E for Einspritzung (Fuel Injection) and L for Lang (Long wheelbase). The SEL wheelbase was four inches longer than the regular SE model offering additional legroom, and it was graced with a redesigned and more luxurious interior in either velour or leather. Offered in two displacement versions, 4.5 and 6.9 liters, the 450 SEL was voted European Car of the Year in 1974 by a collective of European automotive car magazines.

This 4.5 liter version of the 450 SEL was completed in 1973 in Stuttgart, Germany, and purchased new in Portland, Oregon, on September 23, 1973, by Katie Edelbrock-Higgins, Vic Edelbrock Sr.'s wife. Mrs. Edelbrock-Higgins bought the car for her own personal use from Tom Carstens, a dealer in the Seattle/Tacoma area and a close family friend. Mrs. Edelbrock-Higgins lived in New Hampshire, and due to the inclement weather of the area, the car was only used in dry conditions between April and October. Not surprisingly the odometer reading of less than 88,000 miles is the actual verified mileage of the car.

This 450 SEL has remained with the Edelbrock family and been expertly maintained its entire life. It comes with an extensive folio of repair receipts, handbooks and service details, right down to the dates of oil changes and filter replacements. In 1990 it underwent a repaint by Haddicks, in Silver Metallic Green color, while the original green leather interior remains in good condition.

This 450 SEL is a great driver and excellent example of the flagship Mercedes-Benz of its era. Add to that its maintenance record and condition, low mileage and celebrity ownership by the Edelbrock family for 50-plus years, and this car offers a rare opportunity to own a great driver and a piece of automotive history.

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