5k: 1973 Mercedes 450SE Euro
The W116 Mercedes chassis was the first MBZ to officially be called the S-Class, S for Sonderklasse or “special class”. It was indeed a special car – with a 112 inch wheelbase (or 118 inch long wheelbase) and 4.5 liter V8 (or 6.9 liter monster!) it was a stately cruiser sold at high prices to wealthy bankers, politicians and other aristocrats. The hedge fund managers have long since moved on to newer models and left these depreciated classics for hedge pruning managers and this 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 SE Euro version is for sale Pasadena, CA for $5500 is a great example (via Craigslist).
The thing that pops right out is how much the Euro W116 looks like the earlier Benzes (W108 maybe?) because it isn’t shackled with the cow killer US front bumpers. This particular car is an awesome shade of avocado green on the outside and avocado pit tan on the inside..well the color of the avocado seed once you removed that brownish skin…but it makes for a great metaphor! The 4.5 liter V8 powering this German sled is the M117 V8 putting out 190 horsepower and 225 ft-lbs of torque. M117s are known for being reliable, but if anything goes wrong it will make guacamole out of your wallet.
We love the original color matched wheels and the Euro plate (although they are strictly illegal for on-road use and cops in California will pull you over and compliment you for how nice the car looks and maybe give you a roadside proctology exam if they aren’t late for the doughnut shop). We wish there were a few more photos of this car, but the owner claims that everything works only the front seats need foam.
See a cleaner Euro Merc for sale? email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com
If it's a European model, why the US-spec headlamps? More likely US model with Euro-spec bumpers added. "AC is still original R12 needs to be converted" roughly translates to "AC doesn't work." If it was really worth $8,000-12,000 (it's not), they wouldn't be willing to sell it for half that amount. The green over tan isn't great, but even considering needing to re-upholster the front seats, it might be worth somewhere in the neighborhood of the $5500 they are now asking.
Yep, these cars have their inherent problems and are maintenance intensive but one that is in very good condition will give you a ride that you will not forget! Lots of rubber bushings and seals that go out and need replacing which are considered maintenance items by MB. And, of course, you need those special MB tools to work on it. No foam in the seats, I believe it is horsehair (really).
Both previous coments were partially correct.
THIS IS a US version, with the correct bumpers, that changed the following model year.
But that (year model) also makes it A GAS GUZZLING monster (6-8 miles per gallon !), because of the first version electronic fuel injection.
It's not really horse hair in these seats, but they called the synthetic stuffing that. It get's brittle, disintegrates and falls into the bottom of the seat frame with the cover on the springs….back seat just needs a little time to catch up !
IF nice and no rust, car is worth $3k.
With A/C fixed and the injection gone over (about $1000 in parts, if you can find them) it be worth $5k, but only to the right person.
This is a dinosaur and mostly undisirable because of the above @ $4.50/gallon.