Garage-Find Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 Returns After 20-Year Slumber With Full Recommissioning from Farland Classic RestorationThe legendary Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 has long been regarded as one of the most important high-performance luxury sedans ever produced, and a newly offered 1979 example is drawing renewed attention thanks to its rare garage-find history and extensive recommissioning after more than two decades in storage.Now listed for sale at $49,500, the Gray Blue Metallic sedan represents one of roughly 1,500 examples imported to the United States during the model’s limited production run between 1975 and 1980. More significantly, it carries the coveted 6.9 designation, identifying it as the highest-performing and most technologically advanced version of the W116 S-Class lineup.Powered by Mercedes-Benz’s famed 6.9-liter M100 V8, the flagship sedan was engineered to deliver performance levels rarely associated with four-door luxury cars during the late 1970s. Producing 286 horsepower, the dry-sump V8 was derived from the powerplant used in the prestigious Mercedes-Benz 600 limousine and became known for delivering immense torque and effortless acceleration across the rev range.At a time when most luxury sedans prioritized comfort over outright performance, the 450SEL 6.9 introduced a formula that would later define the modern super sedan. Capable of speeds nearing 140 mph, the car paired high-speed stability with advanced engineering features, including a hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension system designed to maintain composure and ride quality under demanding driving conditions.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis particular example spent more than 20 years stored in a family garage before being rediscovered and acquired as a true barn-find style vehicle. According to information provided by the previous owner’s family, the car had been carefully maintained and sparingly driven before being parked, helping preserve its condition and contributing to its remarkably low mileage. The odometer now shows just over 92,000 miles, averaging approximately 1,900 miles annually since new.Following its discovery, the sedan underwent a full recommissioning by Farland Classic Restoration. The work included mechanical sorting, suspension attention, paint correction and the installation of proper speed-rated Michelin XWX tires intended to preserve the car’s original high-speed touring capabilities.Finished over a Navy Blue leather interior, the sedan retains the understated styling and craftsmanship that defined Mercedes-Benz during the era. Inside, the cabin continues to showcase durable materials and restrained luxury, qualities that have helped the W116 platform maintain strong appeal among collectors and enthusiasts.As interest in analog-era performance cars continues to grow, the 450SEL 6.9 remains a standout for its combination of rarity, engineering significance and usable performance. Carefully recommissioned examples with known histories have become increasingly difficult to find, particularly those retaining their originality while benefiting from recent mechanical attention.For enthusiasts seeking one of the earliest true super sedans, this revived 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 represents a rare opportunity to own a landmark performance sedan that still delivers a remarkably modern driving experience decades after it first redefined the segment. See it here.Join our Newsletter, follow our Instagram page, and follow us on Facebook.
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