Antracite Grey / Black Leather on 2040-cars

This auction is for a meticulously maintained 450 SEL 6.9, first sold in San Jose, CA in July 1979.   The original owner purchased the car for his use as president of a local company and I bought it from him in 1989.   At that time the car had 80K miles.    This car as never been out of California and the undercarriage is rust-free.    I’ve taken pictures of some minor rust where paint was chipped, and on the bottom corner of the passenger door.   The color combination is anthracite grey with black leather.   I’m selling this car only because in the last two years my business and personal responsibilities have given me less and less opportunity to exercise it and maintain it at the level I did previously.   

The engine now has about 238K miles of mainly highway use.   I kept a complete maintenance log and all receipts from the time I owned the car.   I also have records from the original owner so this 6.9 has a complete history of all maintenance and repairs.   Despite the miles, this car starts every time at the first turn of the key, has excellent acceleration and a smooth ride.    It has never failed a smog test, never been smoked in, and has had only one small accident when the front left corner was bumped at a four-way stop fifteen years ago.   Repairs were done professionally with a new left front headlight installed.

Starting in 2007, at 201K miles,  I began renovating some of the major mechanical systems.   I removed and resealed the oil pan, replaced the oil transfer hoses, the chain tensioner, both cam sprockets, the double timing chain, valve seals, fuel pump, fuel damper, and fuel accumulator.

In 2008 I had the intake manifold and all injection components rebuilt.   I’ve included a picture of the manifold area after it was cleaned and new gaskets, injectors, check valves, hoses, etc. replaced.   The exhaust manifolds were coated by Jet-hot.  The fuel distributor and warm-up regulator were both professionally rebuilt.   This was done at 210K miles.  A rebuilt transmission was added shortly after.

The hydraulics are excellent.   Within the last 13K miles the two front accumulators were replaced  along with the front level controller.    In 2012, the two rear accumulators were replaced.   I’m able to drive the car only once a month now and the car stays completely up during that time.     

The climate control servo can be an issue on these cars but a new MB original servo was installed in 2011.    The vacuum system is excellent and holds pressure with doors and trunk locked or unlocked.   The radio is original and rebuilt in 2005 by Becker of North America.

Things that don’t work:  the cruise control never worked well even when I first bought it.   More recently the controls don’t produce any effect.   The A/C just stopped blowing cold and was last recharged in 2006.    Since R-12 is getting more difficult to find I’ll leave it as an exercise for the new owner to decide whether conversion to a new system makes sense.   The last item that I’m aware of that doesn’t work are the two center vents.   I have the vacuum elements for those and was going to replace them when I install the new dash, but that will also have to be something for the new owner to do.    The paint has a reasonable shine from a distance but shows its age close up.     Other than occasional small touch-ups, the paint is as it was when I bought the car in 1989.

I have all the relevant manuals – chassis, electrical, maintenance, technical specs, and the three engine manuals.   All are original except the engine manuals, which are printed copies of the microfiche originals.   I have the engine manuals on CD as well.

I have a large number of new spare parts and working cores that go with the car.   Spark plugs, filters, belts, the front license plate frame, alternator, and brake pads are all new.    I have a complete spare set of hydraulic struts and hoses.    One of the upper rubber mounts is missing from the spare set but it’s otherwise complete.   These may actually be working but I haven’t tested them and would consider them cores.   I have a new dash in the Mercedes box.   There’s also a climate control servo core and many smaller parts that’s I’m including in the sale  - hoses, weather stripping, caliper repair kits, used fuel injectors, break sensors, bulbs, etc. that are not pictured.

This car comes with the emergency suspension buffers.    I’m also including the Bosch injection tester that’s shown in the engine manual, the Mercedes special wrench that’s needed for separating the front struts from their ball joints, the pin extractor for removing the timing chain rails, and the flywheel holder that’s useful for locking the engine when the front crankshaft nut is removed.

The interior was reupholstered with Gahh leather in 2005 - front and back seats, armrests, and headrests.   The carpeting is original. 

Please look at the pictures closely.   I’ll be happy to post additional pictures and answer all questions.   I can also send a copy of the complete service log at any time during the auction.  This car has always been garaged and extremely well cared for.  I’ve tried to be as accurate as possible in my description but this is still a 35 year old car and a local inspection is always the best way to help any buyer make a decision.  I would not hesitate to drive this car anywhere in the US if the new owner chooses.     If the car is to be transported, I will install the suspension buffers prior to pickup.   

The car is now located near Sacramento, CA.   Local inspection is welcome.   

Please note the deposit and payment requirements at the top of the listing.   Payment can be made by cash (in person), bank wire transfer or certified check (note: checks will be held for 10 days prior to release of vehicle).  Pick up in person or shipping arrangements to be made by the buyer.

Serious buyers only please and please do not bid if you don’t have the funds available.