More Photos of 1977 450 SEL 68K (interior shots, plus al's 6.9 when discovered)

[John Hubertz]

Hi everyone,

I've finally figured out how to post with pictures.


I'm waiting for the arrival of this 1977 450 SEL in April.  68,000 miles.  No sunroof, but thanks to feedback from Al and Gordon I've quickly accepted it as a neutral issue.  We do live in sunroof country, but I am buying a Mark VIII coupe soon with a hole in the roof. 

Thanks for sharing the downside of sunroofs.  If they often leak and cause rust,  I'm not too sad about not having one.... Thanks guys for letting me know the issues so I could come to grips with the "loss". 











The interior has been restuffed except for the driver's seat, and only the side bolster shows wear, it is turning a bit brown as the light dye is rubbed away at the edge. 

I already have bought a pair of good used foglamps and the "kit" to install rear headrests.  I need to locate a pair of perfect Parchment headrest covers or (gulp) bite the bullet with worldupholstery.  The car does come with the original Becker Mexico and amp, and all documentation (in German?) and the first-aid kit.  I don't know about the safety triangle in the trunk or tools - were these standard?

Here is a picture of the car I used as a benchmark in my search....  This 1975 has bamboo and sold for last summer in Florida - the dealer was asking $8000 but I don't know the sale price.





One more.  Here is a 1980 450 SEL in Oklahoma I almost bought.  Black/Bamboo, 104,000 miles, no rust, $3200.  A few dings that don't show in the photo.  Rear seat needs stuffed so badly it hangs loose as if it were deflated - both the seat and backrest.  Front seats are acceptable with normal wear on driver's bolster. 

This 450 SEL has the same wonderful colors as the 1978 6.9  Al Abassi bought from me, that beautified my driveway but is giving him problems. 



I learned I'm not a restorer from my 450SL project and sold the 6.9 without turning a wheel or a wrench on it.  I sure hope Al doesn't wind up with a totally negative experience on that 6.9 - here are pictures of the car when I found it sitting behind a ghetto furniture store in Indiana.



                                                       

Here's the one that took my breath away when I first circled the car...





Photobucket is wonderful!  Easiest server I've ever used!  http://www.photobucket.com

John Hubertz

[Mforcer]

Thanks for the photos!

The gallery is not yet finished but this should not stop anyone from adding photos. To add photos to the gallery, first enter the album that you want to upload your photos to and then click on Options in the top right of the screen. You should then have a special window pop-up on the left side of the gallery with Add Item and Add Album possibly amongst others. Clicking on Add Item will allow you to add photos.

[John Hubertz]

My problem is I have only found the forum!  I hear there is a library, specifications etc but I don't see any "home" site!!

Help with the URL please?

[OzBenzHead]

My problem is I have only found the forum!  I hear there is a library, specifications etc but I don't see any "home" site!!

Help with the URL please?

John: It is a tad obscure. Just click on the "W116 S-Class Enthusiasts Group" in the top left-hand corner of the browser window.   

BTW: Nice looking 116; love the colour.  As for the sunroof: would rather mine didn't have one.  Summers here are far too hot to use it (except perhaps at night for extra flow-through ventilation).  I occasionally use it on a dry, dull-ish winter's day, but not enought to justify the problems (flaky switches, occasional leaks, etc.- all fixed, but a bother until they were).

[alabbasi]

The lack of a sun-roof probably saved the rear floor and trunk floor from rusting out.