1977 Mercedes-Benz 350SEL Saloon

The W116 was a series of new flagship vehicles produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1972 until 1980. They were the first Mercedes-Benz vehicles to officially be called 'S-Class', with the letter 'S' standing for Sonderklasse or 'special class' and they introduced many technical innovations that ultimately benefitted all motorists.The 'new' S-class generation development began just one year after the launch of the W108/09 and was subjected to numerous studies before it was fully matured to make its debut. This was the first Mercedes saloon to feature the brand new design idiom, which was to be continued until 1993 when the 190 was discontinued. In true S-class tradition, this generation also patented world firsts such as the ABS system, the turbocharged 3.0 litre diesel engine developed from the record-breaking C111 and the 6.9 litre V8 which also featured hydro pneumatic suspension. Production totaled 473,035 units, with the range commencing with the six cylinder 280S and fuel injected 280SE and progressing through the 3.5 litre (350) and 4.5 litre (450) series V8s - both available in either SE (short, fuel injected) and SEL (long wheelbase limousine, fuel injected) configurations.