Mercedes 450SEL 1973 European Auto of the Year!

  • Make: Mercedes-Benz
  • Model: 400-Series
  • Type: Sedan
  • Trim: SEL
  • Year: 1973
  • Mileage: 68,775
  • VIN: 16603312011989
  • Color: Green
  • Engine size: M117
  • Number of cylinders: 8
  • Power options: Power Windows
  • Fuel: Gasoline
  • Transmission: Automatic
  • Drive type: RWD
  • Interior color: Green
  • Drive side: Left-hand drive
  • Options: Cassette Player
  • Vehicle Title: Clear
  • Interested? Contact seller!

1973 Mercedes-Benz 400-Series SEL Description

I've owned this car more than two years and it is solid and ready to be enjoyed by someone who knows the pleasure of owning a true classic. It was stored in a barn in North Carolina and needed basic maintenance to bring it back to its former glory.

As a 1973 this 450 series has the smaller bumpers as compared to the models in later years. In my opinion this makes this particular model much more attractive. In 1973 it was considered revolutionary and won the honor as European Car of the Year. Car and Driver called the 450SEL the "best car in the world".

Little to no rust, was Ziebart treated at some point, and I have never driven it in the winter.

The interior is in magnificent condition. The door panels are pristine as are the carpets and headliner.The AC isn't currently working (it is something I decided not to tackle). Start the car up and she idles very smooth and has great power through the gears. This is a true drivers car it handles amazing and sticks to the road through the curves. Very tight suspension and handling (new alignment after I put on the new tires and replaced the steering gear box, suspension, and re-did much of the front end. I serviced the car to a very high standard. Here is what i did -

  • Valve adjustment/timing chain checked. Engine recently finely tuned by a Mercedes expert inAnnapolis. New spark plugs,spark plug wires and injectors.Two independent Mercedes mechanics concluded that the mileage is correctgiven the condition of the engine.
  • New Michelin Defender tires/nitrogen filled and new alignment
  • All new four Bilstein shocks and front end/suspension, ball joints, tie rods and steering box/rear sway bar links/water pump and exhaust/exhaust manifolds, Mercedes brake hoses, fuel line and filter, wiper motor and delay relay, hood insulation pad.

  • New windshield seal and trunk seal

  • Professionally cleaned metal radiator

  • Completely detailed engine compartment - beautiful!

  • Newly serviced Becker Mexico/cassette radio by Becker Autosound

  • Oil and filter changed within the last 50 miles.

Thought the paint isn't perfect it is a beautiful green metallic color, a real head turner. The car was repainted at some point in its 44 years.


I went a little overboardwhen detailing the engine compartmentand added chrome valve covers but the originals will be included with the car.


Inspections are welcomed.