1976 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL Saloon

Under serious threat from the likes of BMW, Lexus and others today, Mercedes-Benz was the undisputed king when it came to building the finest luxury sedan of the 1970s, a period when the S-class virtually owned its market segment. Launched in 1972 after six years of development, the W116 range was the safest Mercedes-Benz yet, with massive strength to meet tough new Federal Safety Regulations. Boasting more aerodynamic styling, disc brakes all round (ventilated at the front), sophisticated independent suspension front and rear and power-assisted steering, the new S-class was sold with a range of six-cylinder and V8 engines. The initial model line-up of 280SE and 350SE were joined by the longer wheelbase SEL derivatives in November 1973 and later by the more powerful 450SE/SEL models. The M117 4.5-litre V8 engine had a long stroke and exceptionally flat torque curve, endowing the relatively heavy machine with suitably impressive acceleration, while the Bosch fuel injection system kept the engine running reliably. Launched to critical acclaim, the W116 won the Car of The Year award for 1973 and sold in unprecedented numbers for such an expensive luxury car, with almost 500,000 made over seven years of production. Today the S-class is a bargain and any specialist will confirm these cars can do impressively high mileages with little more than routine maintenance, whilst affording passive safety and luxury features most similarly priced modern cars can only dream of.