1973 Mercedes 350SE W116

Description

• UNSOLD AT AUCTION February 2024
• Please contact Evoke for more information / to arrange a viewing : team@evoke-classics.com
• 3.5 litre V8 engine
• Automatic
• Verified ownership history
• Imported into the UK from South Africa by a collector

Five decades ago, with the launch of the new W116 S-Class saloon, Mercedes raised the status of Mercedes-Benz ownership to another level. There were fast saloons, quiet saloons and pretty saloons. But no other four-door luxury car available could complete with the quality and engineering of an S-Class Mercedes.

History

It is uncommon to find a detailed history of ownership like the one that comes with this Mercedes, here are the highlights:

• First registered 7th November 1973 in South Africa
• The first owner was Chairman of the Wire and Cable Co
• He clung on to it, we don’t blame him, for 11 years
• It was imported to the UK by a collector
• Our vendor’s family have known this Mercedes for nearly 22 years
• It is only being made available now, sadly due to ill health

Some say that the V8 versions of the W116-type Mercedes S-Class are the best cars in the world. Always with automatic transmission, usually with very complete equipment. To drive one was to be sequestered from normal motoring and insulated from normal living. Until you stopped and got out, that is!

Mechanicals

The legendary Mercedes over-engineering needs little explanation from us. Over and above that, the S-Class is packed with innovation in every department, including an entirely new suspension system unique to the S-Class.

• 3.5 litre V8 M116 engine
• 200 bhp
• 232 ft lb of torque
• Bosch fuel injection
• Auto gearbox

Power steering was, of course, standard. It is connected stability-enhancing steering geometry. Whilst the front suspension delivers progressive anti-dive technology via double wishbones with anti-roll bar, the splayed trailing arms at the rear do much to provide that plush S-Class ride.

The images in the Gallery show a tidy engine bay and decent images of the underside mechanicals as well.

The MOT records show not only little usage in the latter years, with around 6,000 miles (10,000 km) since 2006, but also a very clean pair of heels to every MOT test too. The current one, with no advisories, expires in October 2024.

Our vendor does advise that: “on cold start up the engine “pulses” which I believe is due to the auto choke. The pulsing goes away when it’s warm (hence why I think it’s to do with the auto choke.)”

Outside

With its distinctive double bumpers, there is no mistaking the S-Class.

The W116 was the first Mercedes to incorporate the now characteristic styling. Many of the design features have real purpose too. Items such as the rear lights were ribbed for safety reasons, keeping the lenses dirt free.

• The owner in 1987 resprayed and coach lined the Mercedes and then & used it as a wedding car
• Aside from some obvious paint work to one door, we’re advised the Mercedes has not been restored
• The exterior body panels show some gentle signs of age and wear, images are in the Gallery
• The brightwork appears to be in attractive condition
• The wheels are original with colour coded hubcaps

In typical Mercedes style, the underside is preserved with the usual under seal, we suspect that is the reason for the clear MOT tests

Inside

This S-Class has that lovely old car feel, with gently fading wear and tear whilst consistently retaining its character and composure. Innovation continued in the S-Class.

MB-Tex seat covers, Zebrano wood, comfy firm seats, substantial chunky steering wheel plus a formidable-sounding clunk from the doors are all features common across the S-Class range.

Details such as fully integrated front and rear seatbelts, a first-aid kit and a warning triangle on the inside of the boot lid promoted the idea that the S-Class meant safe motoring.

We’re advised “all the dials and switches work as they should”.

• Tan MB-Tex seats in good condition
• Headlining has no rips or tears
• Charcoal carpets with fawn over-mats
• Front and rear centre arm rests
• Dash, all original, crack free
• Signature three-piece clocks with rev counter (Odometer is in km)

Summary

Superbly developed in every detail. The legacy of these big 1970s Mercedes saloons is that they established the idea of the S-Class range as the default luxury saloon.

There were plenty of fast, handsome cars to choose from in the 70s, but few were as accomplished in quite so many disciplines as the S-Class

Elegant, sophisticated, timeless and packed with innovation that we see in modern cars today. This one may need a tidy up in places, but it has an enormous upside. The best saloon car ever produced? Probably.

Vehicle Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN3 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

Would like to arrange a viewing or have a question about this Mercedes S Class W116 350SE? Please contact us at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.