MERCEDES-BENZ: 400-series 6,9

The 6.9
"The Best Mercedes Ever Built" Car and Driver Magazine
Introduced to the motoring press at the Geneva Auto Show in 1974, the Mercedes Benz 450 SEL 6.9 was the fastest production four-door sedan in the world. A true, early Supercar. Produced in only extremely limited numbers between 1975 and 1981 and hand-built on its own assembly line in Stuttgart, Germany, the 6.9 was based on the long-wheelbase version of the W116 chassis. Its 6.9 liter M-100 power plant was adapted from the 600 limousine and produced 286 hp. Top factory-rated speed was 140 MPH, but journalists testing the car saw speeds approaching 150 mph.
6.9s have been owned and driven by Frank Sinatra, Telly Savalas, John F. Kennedy, Jr., Reggie Jackson, Larry Hagman, Willie Nelson and the Shah of Iran. It was the ultimate luxury and performance vehicle from an era--the 1970's--that is just being rediscovered by collectors and enthusiasts.
Offered in a 7-day, no-reserve sale is an and original and correct 1978 U.S. (California) model 6.9. Only around 1500 US models of the 6.9 were every produced. This is a rare and special car. I purchased this 2-owner car from collector R. Bruce Steinheimer of Los Angeles, CA in April of 2012. Mr. Steinheimer had purchased the car in May of 1996 from the original owner, Mr. Ernest C. Cadelago of Los Angeles California. At the time of the sale to Mr. Steinheimer in 1996, the car (Original CA license 530VSK) had been driven for only 56,823 miles (average of +/- 3,500 miles/year). Mr Steinheimer enjoyed the car in and around Los Angeles and on the California highways for and average of only 1,300 miles/yr the next 16 years. For the last 10 years of his ownership, Mr. Steinheimer only had the car started and brought to running temperature monthly in his private garage. The car is fully documented, including service records beginning in 1996 with Mr. Steinheimer's ownership through my current stewardship. All manuals, tools and factory equipment are complete and in place. The US-required limiter on the suspension has been removed, allowing the car to operate at at both heights as its European brother. Except as noted in the conditions, everything about the car is in order.
All service records will also be provided for inspection. Upon receiving the car in 2012, I presented the vehicle to Mr. Bill Morey of Ben's Workshop in Austin, TX. Ben's is a Mercedes (and more recently BMW) specialist with over 30 years of operating experience in Austin, Texas. I have had cars serviced at Ben's since 1988. Since 2012, I have continued the prior 2 owners' evident commitments to the preservation and enjoyment of this exquisite car. I have driven the car 6,000 miles as a daily driver. You haven't driven one of these until you have driven one of these. There is nothing like it. During my ownership no expense has been spared, and every dollar invested has been returned to me many-fold in the pleasure and privilege of being (and being seen) behind the wheel of this car. Its not flashy. Its uber-under the radar. The few people who know what this car is will REALLY like it when they see it. The employees at Ben's Workshop aver that it is the finest 6.9 that they have every seen. One technician said that he thought that he would never see one in his lifetime. As a part of your inspection, I invite you to contact Mr. Morey personally, who will attest to the excellent mechanics and his service history of this beautiful and special car. If you have any doubts you should test drive this car in Austin, Texas. We have the fastest stretch of roadway (I-130--85MPH) just to the east of Austin and very near the international airport. This tollway is well known to be largely un-policed, and I have comfortably had the car at 130+ MPH on numerous occasions without incident.
The car is anthracite grey over black leather. One $7000, excellent repaint in California upon Mr. Steinheimer's purchasee in 1996. Today the car's finish shows an age appropriate finish and presents a period correctness for a very original specimen. The car has of course been consistently garaged since its manufacture. It is straight, true and unmolested. The car's Becker Mexico Cassette Vollstereo 485--the top of the line sound system--was refinished by Becker Autosound and includes a discrete iphone jack at the driver's right side. The car sits on its original Compagnolo wheels with correct Michelin XWX (95% rubber). The car's interior is in superior condition, having only slight restorations and preservation efforts. All original carpets are included in the sale and are presentable, but new, period-correct Coco Mats are currently installed and recommended.
The Bottom Line: I looked for the right 6.9 for almost 5 years. Waiting for this color combination, condition and provenance. This car has been a joy to own, to maintain and to preserve. And especially to drive. I am reluctantly passing the car to the next owner because I'm moving to the desert in far west Texas where maintenance would be impossible.
If you have been looking and waiting for one, this is the one.
I invite all questions and will happily provide all documentation and additional information and images upon request.
Sincerely,
Robert
Austin, Texas
1988 300E
1972 280SE 4.5
1978 450 SEL 6.9

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