Gorgeous 1979 450SEL 6.9 well documented

1979 Mercedes-Benz 400-Series 450SEL 6.9 Description

"WHAT HAS 4 DOORS AND FLIES?"
The legendary 6.9 was called the fastest 4-door production sedan in the world by Playboy magazine's Brock Yates in his 1977 review that bore this headline. A 'wolf in sheep's clothing', to the untrained eye, it's just a mundane 4-door sedan. To those who know, the extended wheelbase, 4 headrests and the subtle '6.9' on the rear deck lid let you know that this is a VERY special car. Innovative hydraulic suspension and a beast of a 6.9 litre V8 engine make the 6.9 a joy to drive on the highway. This has been a California car since it was new, and I've owned it since 1993. This is a USA car, not a grey-market European model.
My car is in beautiful condition, with original clearcoated metallic blue paint and original dark navy leather. The car runs perfectly and the suspension is in great shape. I've updated the problematic original climate control servo to the latest solid-state ACC II replacement from Unwired Tools. It needs a bit of tweaking but that's easily available and I'm willing to have that done before delivery if you wish. The radio is the original Becker Mexico cassette tape unit (itself a valuable rarity) with electric antenna and 4 speakers - all factory original, as are the electrically heated seats.
The dash, wood and carpets are all pristine, except for the usual 2 center cracks on the upper dash common to every Mercedes, and some softening of the rear seat cushioning (easily replaced) and minor cracking of the leather. The sunroof works perfectly and the clearcoat, while not perfect, shows beautifully for a car with this mileage. The 6.9 engine is as solid as they come, so you're probably looking at being able to enjoy another 200,000 miles before anything serious is needed.
I have a set of factory service manuals (which are a rare-find indeed), all service records since I purchased the car in 1993, and even records of almost every gas fill-up. Original factory owners manuals, service book, and the factory emergency rubber suspension bumpers.
I've lived in NYC since 2003 so the car has been kept at my friends' home garage in Malibu canyon. My visits to LA are now infrequent, so I'm happy to see my 'beast' find a welcome home.The car is garaged in Malibu, CA and will be picked up by Buyer there, but shipping can also be arranged in the continental US by enclosed car carrier, or internationally, at buyers' additional expense.Included is my CHP 11-99 Foundation rear license plate frame and a pristine cloth car cover. Write with any questions