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Garage => Interiors & Exteriors => Topic started by: zdagher on 09 September 2009, 03:03 AM

Title: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: zdagher on 09 September 2009, 03:03 AM
I own a 1978 450 SEL. The interior is very unique. The front and rear are separated by a divider window, and there are two separate air conditioners (front and rear). The rear air conditioner vents are routed through a mini fridge. The door of the fridge opens against the rear bunk, creating a small table with cup holders and the fridge itself fits 2 large bottles. The radio can be controlled from the rear, and the sunroof is in the rear. I was told that it was custom built for a Saudi prince by the person who sold it to me in 1985.

Has anyone ever seen anything like this? I can post photos if anyone is interested. It is in very good condition, and I am looking to sell it, but have no idea what it's worth.
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: koan on 09 September 2009, 03:19 AM
Quote from: zdagher on 09 September 2009, 03:03 AM
Has anyone ever seen anything like this? I can post photos if anyone is interested. It is in very good condition, and I am looking to sell it, but have no idea what it's worth.

Sounds like an interesting car.  I'd suggest you post all the pictures you possibly can, then post some more. They will be well received.

Where are you located?

koan
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: TJ 450 on 09 September 2009, 03:22 AM
It sounds very interesting.

Some pictures would be great. As far as market value is concerned, it would depend a lot on who did the conversion, etc.

Tim
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: s class on 09 September 2009, 03:29 AM
The central divider and rear sunroof were options available from the factory, though they are not commonly seen.  

Please can you take a lot of pictures for us - we would love to see this.  To get the best price for this car, I suggest you would need to sell it in Germany (if it is LHD) , and advertise it with a lot of good photos, highlighting the uniqueness.  

If it is RHD, I might be interested.....

Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: zdagher on 09 September 2009, 05:45 AM
here are some photos (sorry about the large file sizes):

I'm located in Lebanon.

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08957.JPG)

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08960.JPG)

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08961.JPG)

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08962.JPG)

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08966.JPG)

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08971.JPG)

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08972.JPG)

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08977.JPG)

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08978.JPG)

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08982.JPG)

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08990.JPG)

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08991.JPG)
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: s class on 09 September 2009, 06:47 AM
Awesome.  I see it has heated rear seats as well.  Thanks very much for providing the photos.  Very nice. 
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: Martin 280s on 09 September 2009, 06:50 AM
Wow, what an unusual car. She'd make any w116 fan proud!

Are those just velour covers over the rear seats?
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: another sad 280s on 09 September 2009, 06:57 AM
the wood, vents and all the controls tend to suggest that it was done by mercedes or at least done using mercedes parts. strange that it doesn't have the curtains given location and specs
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: zdagher on 09 September 2009, 07:22 AM
another sad 280s: I removed the curtains a few years ago because they were falling apart.

Martin 280s: yes, they're just covers. I had them installed about 10 years ago because the original material covering the seats was starting to show some wear.
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: Big_Richard on 09 September 2009, 09:25 AM
awesome car and beautiful scenery.

I have seen the partition panel and rear manual sunroof in the parts database, but have never until today seen what it looks like for real.

Thank you sir for these photos.
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: Hemersam on 09 September 2009, 10:25 AM
Absolutely great photos; thanks for sharing them. What  a car!  And what a great place to seat your mother-in-law and cranky sister!
Hemersam   ::)
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: Big_Richard on 09 September 2009, 05:46 PM
in answer to your value question, to get the most for this car, you'd need to advertise it on German EBay. Partition panel w116's are extremely rare and a good original untouched one like this even more so.

Its a shame its not here, I would love to see that car in person.
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: koan on 09 September 2009, 05:50 PM
Is that a coat hook in the rear roof section?

What are the knobs in the rear door trims, cigar(ette) lighters?

Great unique vehicle.

Thanks for the pictures.

koan
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: pompy on 10 September 2009, 01:10 AM
Man, what a car!

Love the colour too - Royal blue, is it?
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: another sad 280s on 10 September 2009, 02:18 AM
it would have to be in the same league as a 6.9 price wise wouldn't it
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: zdagher on 10 September 2009, 02:51 AM
Thanks to everyone for all the responses! If anyone has any other observations/comments on what you see, they would be most welcome.

Koan: I guess it could be used as a coat hook if you pull it down. Don't know if that's intentional. It's actually the sunroof handle. You pull it down and twist 180 degrees to unlock, then pull toward the front of the car to open. And the knobs in the rear doors are indeed lighters.

pompy: I had the car fully repainted at the same time I had the seat covers installed. I don't recall the name of the color, but it was as close to the factory color as I could get it. They did an excellent job.

I also forgot to mention that there are reading lamps in the rear on either side, between the rear doors and the rear windshield. I don't know if this was standard on these cars, but they've always struck me as being a nice touch. And as somebody already mentioned, the rear seats are heated (no longer functional).

Forgive me for my ignorance, but I believe that only the 6.9 came with the hydraulic suspension as a standard feature. This car had this feature when I bought it, but I have since removed it because it was causing so many problems. The steering column lever for the suspension is still there though. And it's still a very smooth ride.

Here's a picture of the engine:

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08984.JPG)

Anything that jumps out at you as non-standard?

One last thing: the car has automatic door locks that work on some kind of pneumatic system. When the driver's door is unlocked, all the other locks slowly slide up. Is this common?
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: koan on 10 September 2009, 03:37 AM
Quote from: zdagher on 10 September 2009, 02:51 AM
I guess it could be used as a coat hook if you pull it down. Don't know if that's intentional. It's actually the sunroof handle. You pull it down and twist 180 degrees to unlock, then pull toward the front of the car to open. And the knobs in the rear doors are indeed lighters.

Ahhh... I see.

I thought it might be for a sunroof because of roof lining join but couldn't see a rear sunroof. What I though was a rear shot over the roof is in fact from the front showing the sunroof at the rear.

Quote
One last thing: the car has automatic door locks that work on some kind of pneumatic system. When the driver's door is unlocked, all the other locks slowly slide up. Is this common?

Beautifully smooth central locking, wonderful isn't it? Common across all models.

koan

Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: s class on 10 September 2009, 03:48 AM
I would think your car had so-called SLS - which means that the front springs are conventional, while the rear is a combination of hydraulics and springs.  I think this was standard on 450's and optional on 350's and 280's.  The 6.9 has a different system which is entirely hydraulic - no springs at all. 
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: CraigS on 10 September 2009, 11:31 AM
I would make contact with these guys - http://www.lineaveloce.com/

Even though it says Canada, he is actually in Beirut. I can't recall his name, but he is reputable, and knows his way around cars. I thought I had his contact details, but can't find them at the moment. There is an email address on the web site though.
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: CraigS on 11 September 2009, 12:23 AM
Do you have the data card for the car ? Ifnot, you should request it from Mercedes to see if you can verify that the appointments were built by Mercedes.
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: scraf on 11 September 2009, 06:23 AM
Having to drive with three fighting children in the back seat I would sell my back teeth to have one of those glass partitions.

Very nice car !
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: alabbasi on 11 September 2009, 03:31 PM
Quote from: Hemersam on 09 September 2009, 10:25 AM
Absolutely great photos; thanks for sharing them. What  a car!  And what a great place to seat your mother-in-law and cranky sister!
Hemersam   ::)

James, that was the funniest thing that i've heard in ages.

Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: 1974450SEL on 12 September 2009, 11:00 AM
zdahger, my compliments to you on one beautiful and very unique 116!  That car is in a league of its own with those amenities.  It really looks like it came from the factory with all that in it. 
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: 1974450SEL on 12 September 2009, 11:03 AM
That 116 is in a league of its own! Great car and all the interior mods look like they came from the factory!
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: Big_Richard on 12 September 2009, 08:35 PM
Quote from: another sad 280s on 10 September 2009, 02:18 AM
it would have to be in the same league as a 6.9 price wise wouldn't it

i would think that its worth more - 6.9's aren't actually as rare as the sellers make them out to be ;)

Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: Martin 280s on 13 September 2009, 05:36 AM
Quote from: Patrick Bateman on 12 September 2009, 08:35 PM
Quote from: another sad 280s on 10 September 2009, 02:18 AM
it would have to be in the same league as a 6.9 price wise wouldn't it

i would think that its worth more - 6.9's aren't actually as rare as the sellers make them out to be ;)



I've being saying that for ages to the Brazilian crowd...pity they seem to think otherwise!
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: dsantamans on 14 September 2009, 03:19 AM
Very interesting your car.  I have send you a PM.

Looks identical to two of my 6.9, colour is also 931 magnetitblau, 902 blue velour, rear mechanical sunroof (under code 992 here), but my cars are armoured and without the partition window.

David

Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: flutes on 21 October 2009, 03:45 AM
I know this is an old thread - but I do enjoy looking at the photos of this car.  The drink in my hand would taste so much better were I sipping it the back of one of these.

@zdagher - any update on the car?  Have you sold it yet?
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: Zuendfolge on 29 October 2009, 04:11 AM
really great car!
I would say also that this is an original car built by Mercedes.

You could offer it to the classic center in Stuttgart, maybe they have some interest!

Or why don't you keep it, it sort of belongs in Lebanon doesn't it?
I always like to see lebanon on TV, not just because of all the nice Mercedes ;-)

Is it a nice holiday country?

Take care!

450SE 1977, The Netherlands
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: zdagher on 17 November 2009, 06:54 AM
sorry, posted by mistake
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: SELfor50 on 17 November 2009, 08:09 AM
Only just seen this.  What a bloody nice car.  It would almost have to have armour plated windows / body with all the rest of the setup right??! :D

I say definitely get in touch with the classic centre.   Confirm the data card etc, and then speak with them.  With all those options added, that's unreal.

When it comes down to it, it's all about the options. :cool:
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: Yesmar on 19 November 2009, 03:40 PM
[jaw drop]   wow ...
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: nchristi26 on 15 May 2015, 12:01 PM
Dear Members,
Did any Members save these pictures, they look to be no longer viewable , would like to see them if possible.
regardes nick



Quote from: zdagher on 09 September 2009, 05:45 AM
here are some photos (sorry about the large file sizes):

I'm located in Lebanon.

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08957.JPG)

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08960.JPG)

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08961.JPG)

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08962.JPG)

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08966.JPG)

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08971.JPG)

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08972.JPG)

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08977.JPG)

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08978.JPG)

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08982.JPG)

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08990.JPG)

(http://faylasoof.karamdepotint.com/images/450SEL/DSC08991.JPG)
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: zdagher on 15 May 2015, 04:32 PM
Hi nchristi26. I've reposted them below:

(http://www.dagher.info/450SEL/001.JPG)

(http://www.dagher.info/450SEL/002.JPG)

(http://www.dagher.info/450SEL/003.JPG)

(http://www.dagher.info/450SEL/004.JPG)

(http://www.dagher.info/450SEL/005.JPG)

(http://www.dagher.info/450SEL/006.JPG)

(http://www.dagher.info/450SEL/007.JPG)

(http://www.dagher.info/450SEL/008.JPG)

(http://www.dagher.info/450SEL/009.JPG)

(http://www.dagher.info/450SEL/010.JPG)

(http://www.dagher.info/450SEL/011.JPG)

(http://www.dagher.info/450SEL/012.JPG)

(http://www.dagher.info/450SEL/013.JPG)

(http://www.dagher.info/450SEL/014.JPG)

(http://www.dagher.info/450SEL/015.JPG)

(http://www.dagher.info/450SEL/016.JPG)

(http://www.dagher.info/450SEL/017.JPG)

(http://www.dagher.info/450SEL/018.JPG)

(http://www.dagher.info/450SEL/019.JPG)

(http://www.dagher.info/450SEL/020.JPG)
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: oversize on 15 May 2015, 06:20 PM
WOW what an amazing W116!!  It's the only one I've ever seen with those mods so ask what you like and be patient to find a buyer
Title: Re: 450 SEL - VERY UNIQUE INTERIOR - need advice
Post by: nchristi26 on 17 May 2015, 09:28 AM
Thank you Zdagher for reposting your photo's.
It looks like this 450SEL's 2nd A/C has a similar set up like the gen 2 W100 600'S.
The structure between the front seats has a extra evaporator/fan set up feeding the rear seats.
all the best nick