1978 Mercedes-benz 450sel 6.9 Sedan 4-door 6.8l on 2040-cars
Memphis, Tennessee, United States
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Up for sale is my all-original, two-owner, 1978
Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 that I affectionately named The 7 Litre. It is a virtually
rust-free Southern car that has lived its entire life in Memphis, TN. It is a
complete car but is not running at this time. The car was in remarkable condition when I purchased it for
my wife. Finished in grey blue metallic paint with parchment leather and burl
walnut trim, it was quite a beautiful car. Having an engineering background, I
was impressed with the sophistication of the 6.9 Mercedes as well. The M-100
engine, with its dry sump lubrication and hydraulic valve gear actuation, truly
was a marvel. The hydro pneumatic oil/nitrogen struts and self-leveling rear
suspension was quite novel as well. Even
though the car was 10 years old when we took possession of it, it was still
cutting edge. Even the newer body style 560SEL at the time could not keep up
with this car. For 10 years, we had a ball with the 7 Litre including the
time in Alabama when I took her up to 135 mph with still more room in the pedal
(I backed off though questioning the last time the tires were replaced). It was
so effortlessly fast, and unbelievably well mannered over bumps and in corners.
We took care of it, and it took care of us. Sadly, the car got away from me after my wife passed away in
February of 1998. With 4 cars in my driveway, it was difficult to keep
everything going. The last time I drove this car, in 2001, it was in tip-top
condition inside and out. When I went to start it a few weeks later, it did not
want to fire up. When I circled back to it a few weeks later, the battery was
dead. From there, it sat until about 6 years ago when I charged up the battery
and tried it again with the help of a Mercedes mechanic who at that time made
house calls. We were able to get it to run by pouring gas into the intake, but
that was it. I was not really interested in throwing any more money into the
car, so I chose to let it sit. With the help of a family friend who is a car guru, I
recently tried to get the 7 Litre running again. Unfortunately, we determined
that the engine is now locked up (quite surprisingly in my opinion). We pulled
the belts and cooling blade off to access the crankshaft bolt. Despite a
generous soaking of WD40, PB Blaster, and Marvel Mystery Oil in the spark plug
holes we were unable to make the crank turn. Granted, we were a bit timid not
wanting to break the bolt. So perhaps the right mechanic with the appropriate
knowledge and tools will have better luck. The Bad News Is: Besides the non-running engine, you can see that the car is
in need of cosmetic attention. There is surface rust on the hood and gas filler
cap. The paint is oxidized. The interior (seats, headliner, carpeting, and
wood) has been badly damaged by stopped up/leaking sunroof drains. The Good News Is: The car is complete and missing absolutely nothing. From the
original spare Michelin XWX tire specially made for the 6.9 Mercedes and untouched Bundt wheel, to the perfect glass all
around, to the rust free chrome, to the straight as an arrow bodywork that has
never been in an accident. The car has a transmission in it that was replaced
by AAMCO Transmissions less than 100 miles ago to the tune of over $3,000. I
had brand new brake rotors and pads replaced all-around less than 500 miles
ago. The car has a brand new water pump in it which was extremely expensive
for the part and labor. Luckily, I had the sense to place cinder blocks under
the car, so it has remained in the up position all this time. Given that the
suspension system was working properly before I stopped driving it, hopefully
it will work fine once the car runs again.
Please understand that parting with this car will be like
parting with a family member a well regarded one. I have owned The 7 Litre
for nearly 27 years after all. I understand the condition is wanting and repair
costs are not cheap. However, I have a lot invested in this car, a lot of
memories, and I truly hope that a Mercedes mechanic or collector will find a
way to pump new life into it. Thank you for looking, I am happy to answer any questions
you e-mail me, and I look forward to passing the torch to a new owner soon. |
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