“The best or nothing”—a simple and catchy phrase that succinctly encapsulates Mercedes-Benz’s founding principles of unsurpassed quality, innovation, and performance. Nowhere was this principle more obviously apparent than the extravagant flagship sedans produced by the company between 1963 and 1980.

Tracing its lineage to the famous “Grosser” 600 of 1963, the 300 SEL 6.3 of 1968, and the 280 SE 4.5 of 1969, Mercedes-Benz released their 450 SEL 6.9 in 1975. Powered by a 250-horsepower, 6.9-liter V-8 with forged internals and underpinned by a remarkable hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension system, the model has always been regarded as a technical tour de force. Restrained styling, tremendous power, generous interior space, and a comfortable ride with industry-leading safety features all contributed greatly to the contemporary praise showered upon the 450 SEL 6.9. In July 1977, Car and Driver noted that the new model, just released to the US market, was “…the ultimate manifestation of the basic Daimler-Benz idea of how automobiles are supposed to be designed and built—the best Mercedes-Benz automobile ever sold.”

Finished in Astral Silver Metallic (735 G) over black leather, this 450 SEL 6.9 was delivered new to D.Patrick Imports of Evansville, Indiana in July 1977. One of only 462 US-market examples produced that year, by January 1979 it had passed to the noted Mercedes-Benz collector Richard D. Losee of Provo, Utah. Unlike the Mercedes-Benz 540 K and 770, which were prominent cornerstones of his collection, Losee used this 450 SEL 6.9 as his personal car from 1979 until 2012. At that time, it passed to his son Richard Losee Jr., who commissioned a complete and exquisite cosmetic restoration in its factory-correct color combination. Accompanying invoices show many years of regular servicing provided by official Mercedes-Benz dealers in Salt Lake City and Lindon, Utah.

Since entering the consignor’s collection in February 2019, this 450 SEL 6.9 has been lavished with approximately $6,500 of mechanical servicing, which has included the fitment of a new starter, water pump, fuel-injection accumulator, and all four of the hydropneumatic accumulators for the car’s self-leveling suspension system. The power-steering system was also refurbished with a new steering coupler and requisite rebuild of its power-steering pump.

Truly one of Mercedes-Benz’s most remarkable sedans, any W116-chassis 450 SEL 6.9 is a joy to drive and enjoy. Benefitting from more than 40 years of single-family ownership, a superb and nicely kept cosmetic restoration, as well as more recent major servicing, this 6.9 would be a tremendous acquisition for any collector looking to experience this famous model for themselves.