Introduced for the 1973 model year, the 450 SEL was the long-wheelbase variant of the 450 SE, stretching the car’s wheelbase by four inches in an effort to add legroom for those being chauffeured. At its heart was a 4.5-liter V-8 engine, internally designated M117, which was capable of producing 190 bhp. Just under 60,000 examples were produced from February 1973 through June of 1980.

Purchased new by the consignor’s father, this 450 SEL has stayed on Long Island its entire life and remains in wonderful original condition throughout, having never been fully restored yet always serviced and maintained on a regular basis. Driven under 118,900 miles, it was used during the warmer months of the year as a daily driver and garaged during the winter, helping to keep it in wonderful condition. Finished in the very stately colors of grey over a beige interior and equipped with an electric sliding roof, the car is offered with a handful of service invoices.

An icon of German ingenuity, luxury, and reliability, the S-Class has been a benchmark of automotive luxury since its inception and the W116 models are no exception to the rule. Now over 37 years since the last such Mercedes-Benz rolled off the production line, finding well-kept examples can be difficult. Properly maintained for its entire life in the care of one dutiful custodian, this stately 450 SEL should not be overlooked.