1976 Mercedes Benz 450SE Sedan

Description

Mercedes Benz was the undisputed king when it came to building the finest luxury sedan of the 1970s, a decade in which its S-class all but owned that segment of the market. Launched in 1972 following six years of intensive development, the W116 range was the safest Mercedes-Benz yet, with a massively strong bodyshell designed to meet tough new Federal Safety Regulations. Boasting more aerodynamic styling, disc brakes all round (ventilated at the front), sophisticated independent suspension at both ends and power-assisted steering, the new S-class was offered with a range of six-cylinder and V8 engines. The initial model line-up of 280SE and 350SE expanded to include the longer (100mm) wheelbase SEL derivatives in November 1973, followed by the more powerful 450SE/SEL models. Launched to critical acclaim, the W116 won the coveted Wheels magazine Car of The Year award in 1973 and sold in unprecedented numbers for such an expensive luxury car, with almost 500,000 made over seven years of production.