Mercedes Benz W116 450SEL M100 6.9 EURO Centras like Jaguar Rolls Royce Audi

Sadly its become necessary for me to sell my beloved Mercedes Benz 450SEL 6.9 as I have far too many projects and I've run out of space. I have a feeling it'll be one of 'those' cars that you tell your mates you wish you never sold! If you know all about the 6.9, you can skip to the bold section for the details on this car.
For those unfamiliar with the 6.9, they remain the largest V8 engine ever installed in a Mercedes passenger vehicle and were reported to be the fastest sedan in the world by Road and Track in 1975. The late, great Sir Jack Brabham was quoted as saying the 6.9 was the most fantastic car he had ever driven when it was released. 7380 were made worldwide, with about 1700 in RHD and 227 vehicles officially imported into Australia. Only a fraction of those numbers survive today.
These cars were the exclusive domain of the rich and famous, including F1 driver James Hunt. Fangio was one of the drivers at the Australian launch. JFK Jnr and locally Jeff Kennett have been trustees of other 6.9s in the past. The cars were featured in the blockbuster Ronin and the infamous short films Rendevous and Lost Highway. They were Germany’s answer to the US muscle car, despite the ‘oil crisis’ at the time and were the car of choice during the early years of AMG.
The big block engine is the larger of two M100 versions with 417ci, SOHC alloy heads, Bosch CIS fuel injection, dry sump and cross bolted mains. They also have hydraulic lash compensators (no annual tappet adjustments) and transistorized ignition (no points).
The transmission is a 3 speed auto with torque converter and the diff is a 2.45 LSD with IRS, 4 wheel disc brakes and super light alloy wheels. The cars came standard with leather seats, height adjustable front seats, inertia reel seatbelts, rear headrests, sunroof, electric windows, central locking, AC, cruise control, foglights and even headlight washers/wipers
They may look similar to the standard 450SEL, but performance was staggering for the day at 7.4s 0-100kmh, due to the conservative rating of 213kW and at least 550Nm DIN. That torque figure has only recently been surpassed by top models from HSV and the Ford GTs with forced induction. Top speed was in excess of 225kmh.
The hydraulic (Hydropneumatic) suspension is a work of art, using technology that’s amazing even by today’s standards, but thankfully it lacked the complexity of electronic intervention. When operating correctly the ride is smooth, quiet and well controlled. Repairs can be achieved with the support of excellent on-line forums and a competent mechanic with a moderate skill level.
Today these cars have substantial performance potential to those who do their research and spend their money wisely. If you’re wondering what they can sound like then click on the link below (think Big Block Chev):

Also published at eBay.com.au