So, I bought an old Mercedes.. | A story about dreams coming true

[Neil4Speed]

In 1984 my dad popped into Lone Star to admire, and ended grinding down the price on a 1979 450 SEL, in the typical Silverbleau, and came home with a car that we had no business owning... We had the car for almost 20 years, it was really good to us during that time. I just adored the big Benz, and during my free time from then on I would look at pictures of old 450's and reminisce. It was very distinctive, and since it was the car that I came home from the hospital in, I had really awesome memories associated with it. Everything from the smells of the off-gassing leathers/plastics to the feel of the doors and sound of the engine.

I always kept "Mercedes SEL" in my searches on Kijiji creeping out other old Benzes for sale for nostalgia... And then one day I did a random refresh while at the office and then popped up something I never in my life imagined. A 1977 450 SEL 6.9... I contacted the seller right away who was selling it on behalf of the widow of a gentleman who owned the car since the early 80's. The price was fair, the mileage was relatively low at 75k mi., and more than anything, the color combination was my all-time favorite - Milan Brown on Bamboo. For me... I know, it might sound ridiculous but, if I could choose any dream car for me - this was it.

I lucked out on timing and told the guy the story, and then made an elaborate business case for my wife and low and behold... I am the owner of this very interesting car. The seller stated that he had to turn off his phone as he had close to a 50 calls over that evening, and said that I was the first one to set a time to come to see it and therefore I had first dibs. Somewhat unlike me... I threw caution to the wind, had no inspection, and bought the car. Amazingly... considering this car is 45 years old... still feels rock-solid (and makes the doors of my Cayenne feel like a play toy). Perhaps more amazingly, it still had that 'smell' that I associated with my old childhood car.

When I bought the car it had a bad misfire, which ended up being just the ignition wires being in the wrong order and a loose spark plug. The vehicle had been sitting for 15+ Years (stored indoors I was told and believe), and was brought to German Car Specialists in 2020 for a full fuel system rebuild and inspection. The car was also pretty rough paint condition-wise due to sitting, and my good friend and detailing-god, Beyond member - Sneek, helped me get the paint to a point that it popped again. There is a long list of things to work on, but for now, the car holds height without a problem for weeks and idles smooth. I have been having some issues registering it (as I do not want to do an OOP), as the VIN number is shorter than the standard and the registry that I went to (AMA) could not find any past Alberta registration, that I am certain it has been.

Some positives and negatives - and I obviously have some work ahead of me, but I am looking forward to maybe holding it onto a bit and enjoying myself as a summer driver to the office. The color and design are so striking in 2022 and I just love the feeling of being in it.

Positives:

- Body seems very solid, with no rust of note. The car has only had <10k miles in Canada.
- The car was originally from Miami, Florida, and had a facetious owner who provided (extensive) Service Records/Manuals from Day one. On a side note... A Miami 6.9 owned by a small plane pilot in the early 80's... This car must have seen very wholesome things in it's past.
- Miles are low and make it seem worth the 'mini-restoration'
- It is my dream car in the dream-color combo
- Since I didn't register the car, I was only able to drive it up and down the block. Possibly the first time it has done so under its own power in many years. It runs 'very' well... I was absolutely shocked by the amount of 'push' back the car had... By modern standards, it is not 'fast' but it had too much torque.

Negatives

- Paint peel on the roof from sun exposure
- Requires extensive deferred maintenance - Fluids, Brakes, etc.
- Leather is hard and needs a good leatherique treatment. General cleaning/steam cleaning of the interior
- Dashcrack, needs a grill surround, Trunk badge, some other cosmetics
- I want to replace the exhaust, it has a strange single exhaust right now which is dented (I imagine from towing it in 2020)
- Need to replace the wire wheels with factory bundt wheels (hopefully in 15 or 16" for better tire selection). Apparently these wire wheels may have some value, and they have brand new current tires.

So, some fun ahead of me... My contention on keeping it is if I can find a place to store it in the Winter. This winter was OK as my wife was home with our kiddo, but her car won't be happy outside in the winter when she is going to work every day. In the meantime, trying to figure out a good place to take it for some of this simple maintenance work (open to suggestions!)

I have been a part of Beyond since 2004 and always enjoyed this community, thought I would share a my car related story here for others who might be interested in an old Merc.

Some quick snaps for you - not exactly glamourous angles.

https://i.ibb.co/2kP3dQY/PXL-20211112-231839958.jpg (https://ibb.co/Nyp2KPn)
https://i.ibb.co/3Tw2sYj/PXL-20211112-231818422.jpg (https://ibb.co/GdXyJ38)
https://i.ibb.co/bLJ1mqt/PXL-20211007-042229664-NIGHT.jpg (https://ibb.co/1K6ZQhc)

and.. the goal (less the chrome on the wheels) :)

https://i.ibb.co/7RLcWWr/a9214ef05dfd1dfe3cd6db633f9eb568a456fd4f.jpg (https://ibb.co/GtNw22C)

[03ozwhip]

Those things are so sick. I'd have a hard time not slamming that thing lol have fun with it!

[90_Shelby]

Very cool car Neil and that color combo is fantastic!

Any engine shots?

[Buster]

Your dad was an African dictator?

[LilDrunkenSmurf]

Hell yeah

[BokCh0y]

Love old school mercs - congrats!!!

[vengie]

This thread has so much potential.
I'm excited

[rage2]

Wow. Awesome car!

[flipstah]

I’d keep those wheels! They look sick in that combo :drool:

[bjstare]

Your dad was an African dictator?

Beat me to it. The dictator-mobile. I fucking love these cars.

Whatever you do, get rid of that awful front bumper and get a euro one. Also, have you considered the penta wheels? Great alternative to bundts. Still period/car correct. Nice car, I’m jealous.

I also bought an old Mercedes recently (albeit not quite this old, nor dictatorly). I’ll post some pics when I take it out of storage.

[ThePenIsMightier]

Wow, that still looks so much like my old '91 W126 "Beirut Taxi" but apparently different.
Long body is best body!

[Dynasty 88]

Very neat car. Looks to be in amazing condition. My Dad bought the first aero Benz, a 1984 300SD. I still remember the smell, clatter of the engine, and how bouncy the front seats were. Dads was all but rusted away by 2003 but still ran great. He replaced it with a new LS430 that he still owns. He said if that Benz never rusted out he would’ve kept it forever.

[nismodrifter]

This kind of thread makes me smile.

Well done sir. Living the dream.

[Team_Mclaren]

Nice dude, always a good story to find the childhood dream car. I was lucky to find my W220

I'd recommend collector insurance for the cheap.

For any maintenance or service work, I'd recommend Continental Auto, they specialize on Mercedes.

[dj_rice]

Slam it, swap a 6.3 AMG engine into it and just yeet

[G-ZUS]

Beautiful ride bro, congrats on the pickup.

Wanted old Benz, couldn't find so settled for old BMW. I'm still on the hunt for a W124

[rage2]

https://youtu.be/VEVHJ97pyA4

[90_Shelby]

I did some reading on Wikipedia to educate myself on this car, this caught my attention, “ For several years, the 450 SEL 6.9 was the quickest-accelerating and fastest European saloon, reaching 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.4 seconds and 240 km/h (149 mph) top speed.”

The engine also has dry sump oiling? Very cool.

[Shlade]

Very cool. I bet a good upholstery shop could refinish that dash and make it mint again.

I am also curious to see engine bay pics!

[bjstare]

Slam it, swap a 6.3 AMG engine into it and just yeet

104222


Whatever you do, make sure it isn't this :rofl:

[Neil4Speed]

Those things are so sick. I'd have a hard time not slamming that thing lol have fun with it!

Thanks man - I just have to wait a month and it slams itself :) LOL Joys of Hydropneumatic suspension


Very cool car Neil and that color combo is fantastic!

Any engine shots?

Thank you - haven't taken any yet funny enough. It's in kind of a state right now anyways, very dusty. Can't wait for it to warm up a bit to give it good detail in there


Your dad was an African dictator?

LOL waiting for this one.


Hell yeah

Love old school mercs - congrats!!!

Wow. Awesome car!

Wow, that still looks so much like my old '91 W126 "Beirut Taxi" but apparently different.
Long body is best body!

This kind of thread makes me smile.
Well done sir. Living the dream.

Thanks guys for the kind words - keeps me going on something that is definitely a bit out of my element.


I’d keep those wheels! They look sick in that combo :drool:

You know, funny enough they are growing on me. I *think* they are Dayton wheels. But I have such a soft spot for Bundts.


Beat me to it. The dictator-mobile. I fucking love these cars.

Whatever you do, get rid of that awful front bumper and get a euro one. Also, have you considered the penta wheels? Great alternative to bundts. Still period/car correct. Nice car, I’m jealous.

I also bought an old Mercedes recently (albeit not quite this old, nor dictatorly). I’ll post some pics when I take it out of storage.

You know, I always thought to myself, If I ever got a 6.9, first thing to do would be replace the bumpers. But, I have to say, the big bumpers have a bit of character to them... I might ride it out for a bit and see. The 6.9 bumpers are a bit more flush than the usual W116 bumpers which helps.

I did consider Penta's but have some sentimental attachment to the Bundts. Will go for probably a 15" or 16" to give it a bit more stance though. What did you buy?? Please share!


Very neat car. Looks to be in amazing condition. My Dad bought the first aero Benz, a 1984 300SD. I still remember the smell, clatter of the engine, and how bouncy the front seats were. Dads was all but rusted away by 2003 but still ran great. He replaced it with a new LS430 that he still owns. He said if that Benz never rusted out he would’ve kept it forever.

Those are fantastic cars, the SD's are actually quite sought after. Funny enough, the LS430 was also one of my favorites... A late model Silver on Black would be a dream. Pure class car.


Nice dude, always a good story to find the childhood dream car. I was lucky to find my W220

I'd recommend collector insurance for the cheap.

For any maintenance or service work, I'd recommend Continental Auto, they specialize on Mercedes.

Thanks TM! Appreciate that. I did get Hagerty's and it is very reasonable... like $30-40/month. And for sure on Continental... funny enough the last place it was properly serviced in 2003. My goal isn't concours on this one. Just a nice driver which is representative of its mileage (rather than age). Hopefully I can do what needs to be done without going upside down on the value.


Slam it, swap a 6.3 AMG engine into it and just yeet

104222
Whatever you do, make sure it isn't this :rofl:

ha ha, sound expensive... the progress though, 30 years and double the HP!


Beautiful ride bro, congrats on the pickup.

Wanted old Benz, couldn't find so settled for old BMW. I'm still on the hunt for a W124

Amazing!! Is that an M5? You were looking for a W124 coupe right?



https://youtu.be/VEVHJ97pyA4

Perfect! Haha, good on the developers to think of the detail


I did some reading on Wikipedia to educate myself on this car, this caught my attention, “ For several years, the 450 SEL 6.9 was the quickest-accelerating and fastest European saloon, reaching 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.4 seconds and 240 km/h (149 mph) top speed.”

The engine also has dry sump oiling? Very cool.

One of it's claims to fame... Some 'fables' about this car... each engine was on the the test bench for 265 minutes, and 40 of those was spent under full load. 12L of Oil for for the oil change lol

Interestingly enough, it came 2nd in one of the original Brock Yates Cannonball runs in the late 70's. First was taken by a Jaguar XJS V12.


Very cool. I bet a good upholstery shop could refinish that dash and make it mint again.

I am also curious to see engine bay pics!

I will 100% look into this. The dash split is one of the pain points of the interior that to me seems like a challenge.


Appreciate all the kind words :)

[speedog]

Dash split, I've seen Fibrenew do amazing things on things like that.

[BerserkerCatSplat]

That's a rad car, but instead of the wheels the first order of business should be to find a set of Euro bumpers and lose the American picnic tables!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sesui1JFQog

[dj_rice]

https://carbuzz.com/news/classic-mercedes-benz-restomod-has-c63-amg-heart

This is what I was thinking of when I made the suggestion

[Buster]

https://carbuzz.com/news/classic-mercedes-benz-restomod-has-c63-amg-heart

This is what I was thinking of when I made the suggestion

please don't do this.

[90_Shelby]

That's a rad car, but instead of the wheels the first order of business should be to find a set of Euro bumpers and lose the American picnic tables!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sesui1JFQog

Oh man!!! The cool factor of this car continues to increase! I absolutely love Ronin and I had no idea that was the same Benz. Thanks for posting!

I gotta see this car in person!

[ThePenIsMightier]

Oh man!!! The cool factor of this car continues to increase! I absolutely love Ronin and I had no idea that was the same Benz. Thanks for posting!

I gotta see this car in person!

Is it?
I always thought that was an SEC 560.

[you&me]

A 450 SEL 6.9 is also the actual car used in the legendary Rendezvous.

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Is it?
I always thought that was an SEC 560.

https://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_2401-Mercedes-Benz-450-SEL-69-W116-1976.html

[rage2]

A 450 SEL 6.9 is also the actual car used in the legendary Rendezvous.
I was gonna post this but been offline all afternoon. Everyone thinks it’s a Ferrari, but only the audio was dubbed in. Photo of the camera rig on the actual car.

104233

For the kids that’s never seen the film:


https://youtu.be/WJYOMFayruw

This film inspired my street racing antics back in the day.

[cam_wmh]

Neil,
That's a rad story and buy. Well done.

[G-ZUS]

Amazing!! Is that an M5? You were looking for a W124 coupe right?



[/B]

Not an M5, just a 535. I was looking for a w124 coupe and would still pick one up if a decent one pops up

[Neil4Speed]

Dash split, I've seen Fibrenew do amazing things on things like that.

Thanks for the suggestion, I just looked into this and I think 100% it is the way I am going to go. Reasons like this I am happy I posted!!


That's a rad car, but instead of the wheels the first order of business should be to find a set of Euro bumpers and lose the American picnic tables!

Haha. If it was 'convenient' for me to do so, I probably would. Not sure why, but they don't bother me as much now. Plus, they have some practical purposes...

https://i.ibb.co/F8WXf2P/MJ-450.jpg (https://ibb.co/gt7dXNn)


https://carbuzz.com/news/classic-mercedes-benz-restomod-has-c63-amg-heart

This is what I was thinking of when I made the suggestion


please don't do this.

I loved watching that video - this was an amazing project.


Oh man!!! The cool factor of this car continues to increase! I absolutely love Ronin and I had no idea that was the same Benz. Thanks for posting!

I gotta see this car in person!

Definitely, I will shoot you a PM when it is a bit more sorted! :)


Is it?
I always thought that was an SEC 560.

https://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_2401-Mercedes-Benz-450-SEL-69-W116-1976.html

Interestingly enough, apparently it was Jerry Bruckheimer's personal car (it was on a Movie Car exhibition a little while back... I saw the photo but can't find it now). A few interesting prior owners... James Hunt, Nikki Lauda, Sinatra, JFK Jr.


A 450 SEL 6.9 is also the actual car used in the legendary Rendezvous.

I was gonna post this but been offline all afternoon. Everyone thinks it’s a Ferrari, but only the audio was dubbed in. Photo of the camera rig on the actual car.
This film inspired my street racing antics back in the day.

LOL, I think for many! 'Supposedly' chose the 6.9 for its hydropneumatic suspension to keep the camera as stable as possible.


Neil,
That's a rad story and buy. Well done.

Thanks Sir!


Not an M5, just a 535. I was looking for a w124 coupe and would still pick one up if a decent one pops up

'just'... :) One of the most iconic straight 6's ever made - it seems to have a sport kit on it? W124 is one of my favorites... A buddy (beyond member, Evro) had a beautiful 1990 24V AMG Coupe in Red, and it was just so staggeringly beautiful and well made. He said the attention he got from it was outrageous (good and bad), one day he was driving around and an old lady looked up and down at the car and flipped him off.

[XylathaneGTR]

Neat story Neil, and congrats on making it happen!

[jabjab]

Super cool!

[gmc72]

Very cool! Nice car. Congrats on getting your dream car!

[e31]

I think the wire wheels are fantastic on that car, but admit it is getting quite hard lately to find any fresh rubber in sizes smaller than 16". Also wishing you luck dealing with Merc shop/dealer/owner misinformation. It seems like they are some of the least helpful "car people" out there, as if they were at one point merged with Dodge/Chrysler.
104254

Nevermind the W163, just used to plow snowdrifts off the driveway.

[Neil4Speed]

Ran into a snag... And looking for ideas.

From my knowledge, the car has been registered in Alberta in the 90's, but due to either (or combination of);

- The car hasn't been registered in Alberta in the last 20 years
- The 14 digit VIN number, which may have been modified for the purpose of registry entry.

The registry is unable to find any history in the system. I have an old license place number from the time it was in Calgary, but unfortunately unable to trace anything on this.

All told this means that I need to do an Out of Province on the vehicle to register it. I am not entirely opposed as making sure the vehicle is 100% safe is a priority, however, I don't want to have issues passing due to things such as a slight tint that is on the original windshield (or missing the standardized markings). Replacing glass on this car will be virtually impossible...

Does anyone know how I could see prior registrations from a lookup from an old license plate number or any other creative ideas?

[ThePenIsMightier]

Not really answering your question... But I honestly don't think sourcing glass will be as difficult as you are thinking.
It looks A LOT like a W126 and if it shares glass with that, not only will it be available, I dare say it might even be cheap! LoL!

[flipstah]

Ran into a snag... And looking for ideas.

From my knowledge, the car has been registered in Alberta in the 90's, but due to either (or combination of);

- The car hasn't been registered in Alberta in the last 20 years
- The 14 digit VIN number, which may have been modified for the purpose of registry entry.

The registry is unable to find any history in the system. I have an old license place number from the time it was in Calgary, but unfortunately unable to trace anything on this.

All told this means that I need to do an Out of Province on the vehicle to register it. I am not entirely opposed as making sure the vehicle is 100% safe is a priority, however, I don't want to have issues passing due to things such as a slight tint that is on the original windshield (or missing the standardized markings). Replacing glass on this car will be virtually impossible...

Does anyone know how I could see prior registrations from a lookup from an old license plate number or any other creative ideas?

So it hasn't been registered since the 90's?

You can't find a pink slip anywhere? Maybe find out who the insurance company was and see if they can pull some back data?

[Neil4Speed]

So it hasn't been registered since the 90's?

You can't find a pink slip anywhere? Maybe find out who the insurance company was and see if they can pull some back data?

Yes.

Really struggled and unfortunately no pink slip anywhere... And the previous owner passed on two years ago, so unable to even ask.


Not really answering your question... But I honestly don't think sourcing glass will be as difficult as you are thinking.
It looks A LOT like a W126 and if it shares glass with that, not only will it be available, I dare say it might even be cheap! LoL!

Unfortunately all is different... and I am not keen to spend money replacing things that are OEM and fine as they are...

[flipstah]

Yes.

Really struggled and unfortunately no pink slip anywhere... And the previous owner passed on two years ago, so unable to even ask.



Unfortunately all is different... and I am not keen to spend money replacing things that are OEM and fine as they are...

Don't you need an inspection if you want comprehensive coverage? Or were you planning on just liability?
dannie might be able to help? She's your best shot right now...

[Team_Mclaren]

So it hasn't been registered since the 90's?

You can't find a pink slip anywhere? Maybe find out who the insurance company was and see if they can pull some back data?

Hows old insurance slip gonna help with registration?

If your registry isnt able to find anything I doubt a license plate number would help. The provincial registration system should be pretty straight forward, perhaps try a different registry.
Neil, Take a look at the OPI report it's actually not that bad. Go through the list to see if there's anything you might fail and go from there.

[brucebanner]

Don't you need an inspection if you want comprehensive coverage? Or were you planning on just liability?

He mentioned he is with Hagerty, they don't require an inspection. At least they haven't with anything I've had.

Details / photos, they ask what you value it at and it's all done.

Edit: Awesome story and cool car!

[G-ZUS]

If you need an out of province inspection, we can do them at my shop

[ianmcc]

Did you ask for a Vehicle Information Report? You have to be really sure about getting the number right.
Look for hidden vin locations to confirm it.
And get the registry to try with WDB added on to make a 17 digit vin.

[dannie]

Shoot me a DM

[Neil4Speed]

Don't you need an inspection if you want comprehensive coverage? Or were you planning on just liability?
dannie might be able to help? She's your best shot right now...

Different things... Hagerty was able to insure me without an appraisal.

Thank you for the mention Flip!


Hows old insurance slip gonna help with registration?

If your registry isnt able to find anything I doubt a license plate number would help. The provincial registration system should be pretty straight forward, perhaps try a different registry.
Neil, Take a look at the OPI report it's actually not that bad. Go through the list to see if there's anything you might fail and go from there.

An old insurance slip *could* give some guidance into what the car might have been registered as in the past to make the 17 digit vin work. Ie. If I found a slip with leading zeros, ending zeros or WDB. Looking through the inspection list and most is totally reasonable and things I would want sorted even if I didn't need to do the inspection.


He mentioned he is with Hagerty, they don't require an inspection. At least they haven't with anything I've had.

Details / photos, they ask what you value it at and it's all done.

Edit: Awesome story and cool car!

Thanks for the kind words!


If you need an out of province inspection, we can do them at my shop

Thanks for letting me know - I will PM you OG beyonder!


Did you ask for a Vehicle Information Report? You have to be really sure about getting the number right.
Look for hidden vin locations to confirm it.
And get the registry to try with WDB added on to make a 17 digit vin.

Good thinking on the WDB, I tried that with Registry number 3 that I visited. No dice. The issue with the VIR is that you need to be sure the vin is in the system before running otherwise you will be paying for reports without results.


Shoot me a DM

Will do! Thanks Dannie :)

[Ekliptix]

I'm really happy to see a thread about cars. And your MB looks amazing, but the story is what makes it fun.

[90_Shelby]

I'm really happy to see a thread about cars. And your MB looks amazing, but the story is what makes it fun.

This.

[DonJuan]

I'm really happy to see a thread about cars. And your MB looks amazing, but the story is what makes it fun.

+1

Those wire wheels on that car... just WOW :drool:

[Neil4Speed]

I'm really happy to see a thread about cars. And your MB looks amazing, but the story is what makes it fun.


This.


+1

Those wire wheels on that car... just WOW :drool:

Thanks guys, and the wires are kind of growing on me... but I am going to probably purchase some 16" bundt wheels in the next few weeks.

The car hasn't been started since December or so and was in its 'sitting' position, so decided to take a quick video from a cold start see how long it took to raise back up to operational height. Also good note to clean the underside of the car.

*Lower volume warning*


https://youtu.be/qOt_i7Eh2Hc