The 1970's Beast - Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 | Tyrrell's Classic Workshop

[@robertd4468]

The W113, W116, W124 & W140 were the finest cars Mercedes ever produced. Everything after in my opinion pales in comparison.

[@lifetree4623]

W126 also

[@caglarkotaz8755]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@holmesfamilyfuneraldirecto2572]

In 1978 my boss had one. Aged just 17 I was often called upon to take him home after he'd enjoyed a little too much liquid refreshment. I had the pleasure of driving his 450 SEL up and down the M3 in the early hours and will confirm they did in excess of 140 mph. For a young driver, that was quite a thrill.

[@brownmcpherson5724]

My boss had a 1977 US model. They came with full leather and automatic air conditioning. I believe the 1978 6.9 was the first car in the US with ABS. The 1978 was $52,000 a fortune at that time I can also confirm the 140+ mph!

[@herbiee22]

Not the Junction 4 to Junction 7 of the M3 surely ? Very busy with plod there....

[@288gto7]

@@brownmcpherson5724 no it wasnt the first, chrysler and ford vehicles had abs in late 60s and early 70s

[@Mercmad]

@@288gto7Fiat used an electronic Anti lock ,which was bought by Bosch as a System. It was the First in Mercedes in 1978 and the First fully electronic control. Mopar used Bendix and Ford had their own Sure track but thr idea goes back to the 1920's.

[@288gto7]

@@Mercmad yes merc system was the first fully "digital" electronic one. Suretrack was analogue electronic IIRC, dunlop also had maxaret developed from aircraft abs and that was purely mechanical and used in jensen ff in 60s

[@maxgusatz5644]

Iain’s such a pro he matches his trousers to the car he’s featuring.

[@gordonsimpson3235]

Yes, I thought that too. Iain paying due reverence!

[@ianwatson3315]

😂😂

[@camberwellcarrot420]

Now I can't unsee it. Thanks for that.

[@andya857]

A true British gentleman and ace mechanic..🔧

[@helmutkrahn9337]

Hmmn... I, too, noticed; and wondered if that was deliberate or accidental. Now I'm wondering whether Iain's likely to confirm or deny! Regardless, I'll be paying attention in future and if I see more evidence. On second thoughts, that might not be conclusive either; we would need to look into past videos... /rabbit hole

[@parrotraiser6541]

Making a compelling video about door handles is a remarkable achievement, but Iain did it.

[@diggingattycho7908]

My Mother had a 77 6.9 in silver back in the eighties, I will say it wasn't a car I would put a 19 year old in(myself, that was a long time ago). It was a US car, I most impressed when you put your foot in it. The whole front end would come up, it would hold it's own against the muscle cars of the day. One night I did peg the car, it was well in excess of 140 MPH. I won't say the number because people like to argue what things can't do when they are not there. My mother got it because she liked that it was 2 tons of steel, and she could speed. He mother lived about 100 miles drive away in the high country(for Arizona), I do remember her stating rather flippantly, "I was only doing a 110". In those days Arizona wasn't as nearly as populated as it is today. Which made perfect country for such a vehicle to shine. I really do miss the car, it was a great deal of fun. I also miss the weighted door handles of Mercedes, even the plastic handles made it feel like your doing something special to get into a Mercedes Benz. I was at manufactures car show once, I found myself in the Mercedes section opening a door and feeling a bit let down. A lady came up to me and said, "It isn't quite the same is it". She said it all, I knew at that time I would never consider a new Merc. Yes, opening a door can be that important. :)

[@sinazahedinejad7007]

my dad had one, bought it in 76, same collar, same interior, unfortunately had to sold it before I get to the age that I could drive it. RIP both of them....

[@mikehowley5680]

I am fortunate to own a 6.9 in the exact same colour and interior, other than mine is LHD. Did a 3000 mile European road trip, which included bring it home to Stuttgart, to the museum. Currently restoring it to bring it back to as good as we can get it. I love this car, particularly as it flies under the radar and only real enthusiasts know what it is. As soon as it is back on the road, we off to Europe again. Maybe 5000 miles this time..... Thank you, Ian, for featuring the 6.9 on your fantastic channel.

[@robertrotterdam9]

Great to read about your ownership! Have you made any progress with the restoration and are ready for the 5000 miles trip (or maybe already did!)? Thank you.

[@edrcozonoking]

@17:34 that counterweight is not for "feel". It is an inertia counter weight designed to stop the door handle from opening during a side impact. As the door is pushed in by another car, the door handle "wants" to stay in the same place and would actuate the lock. The counterweight is ment to keep the door and handle moving together. P.S. I'm an OEM engineer that has designed such counter weights.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

But at the same time it does add to the feel. If you remove the counterweight...it will feel different. I work as a locksmith and have repaired hundreds of door handles both with and without a counterweight.

[@spatchist]

Does this channel have the most informative commenters , I'd say so !

[@solsol1624]

Very interesting. I had to work on my 123 handle it's very similar on the outside but does not have the weight, but believe it has similar anti crash open properties.

[@edrcozonoking]

@@bigmacdaddy1234 that is an unintended consequence not it's main purpose.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

@@edrcozonoking Not for you to say whether or not it was unintended or not, as you were not part of the design and engineering teams. But we do know that It served both purposes.

[@big_red_machine3547]

Ronin is one of my all time favourite movies! My mom’s boyfriend had one of these cars when I was a kid and let my oldest brother take me for a drive. He buried the Speedo yet it felt like we were only going legal speeds. I’ll never forget that experience

[@KnauerJonathan]

The paint on the Espada behind Iain is perfect...

[@fepatton]

I have a Mercedes catalog from 1975 sitting in front of me. It notes that “a counterbalanced inertia mechanism [with that counterweight highlighted] gives additional protection against the doors flying open on side impact.” Thought you might be interested in that tidbit! They also write that, “The 6.9 represents the state of the art of automotive engineering as expressed by Mercedes-Benz.” No kidding! Great overview of a fantastic car. Totally agree about the faux stitching!

[@richgsimisker6286]

Iain, if you ever feel the urge to do an extended video about door handle design and engineering, I am totally here for it. Just saying.

[@donhuebert9151]

Absolutely. From the worst to the best.

[@Salman-sc8gr]

In that case have a look at the Alfa Romeo 164 door latch and pin set up. Double pincer design.

[@shoominati23]

I guess Diana Dors would be proud to call one her own!

[@Andy_Holbrook332]

This is so geeky!!! This channel - both original content and comments - is priceless viewing

[@munnsie100]

As someone who takes great interest and notices the detail of the handle and latch design, I feel far more normal after seeing this!

[@3wheeler1000]

My Reliant Robin has a fixed door handle with a button. Its a classic Mini item I believe, but I must take it to the Dorchester to try out.

[@mchristr]

While working for a Mercedes-Benz only repair shop in San Francisco, I had the opportunity to drive several 6.9s. They weren't as brutal as the 6.3 but that (417 c.i.) engine had torque for days. I remember one particularly clean example that was owned by a guy who worked downtown in the Financial District. He got it from a former drug dealer who was on a state-sponsored vacation.

[@jamesrobert4106]

"State sponsored vacation. " 😂😂😂

[@argentaccounts9960]

I just bought a 450 SEL 6.9 (silbergrün metallic) here in Australia- a non running vehicle but in excellent overall condition. It really is a spectacular model- build quality is exceptional and that M100.985 engine is a sight for sore eyes. Thanks for sharing - I can’t wait to get mine back on the road :)

[@brankog7]

hey mate, are you in Melbz? would love to see it! cheers

[@ianmangham4570]

You got her running?

[@carbone913]

You are so lucky to have this silent power ❤🇹🇭

[@neilhurt1992]

Not only a 6.9 S-class but matching trousers! So cool. Respect from a (rather chilly) Otford, Kent.😎

[@tcat0211]

My father was stationed in Jakarta in the early 80s and this was among the first vehicle to be impressioned on me. Virtually ALL of the most powerful men of the era had one of these.

[@type17]

That's my '76 350SE, shown at 1:11 - nice to see it getting used as an example car🙂. The pic was taken in 2012, when it had ~32k miles up, it has ~42k today, but it looks the same.

[@martinda7446]

Oh god, they are wonderful.

[@terminal-velocity111]

Looks nice m8

[@Lord-Brett-Sinclair]

Men would stop and stared open mouthed at these on the 70’s and 80’s .This one still has it.

[@Blingrhino31]

Irish reg

[@type17]

@@Blingrhino31 Yes, I bought it in the UK in 2010 - originally a Herts reg, RNK nnnR

[@greekpapi]

Friend of mine had one, the build quality is insane. The doors closing alone sounded like closing a bank vaults door. Everything worked, everything lasted.... Just an incredible car.

[@glennturnbull8568]

When I was a young car mad lad in the early 70’s, my step grandfather (if that was a thing), had a new Merc every year. I’m fairly certain he had a 6.3, then a silver blue 450SEL with black leather, and then what looked exactly the same car (silver blue, black leather, alloys) was out side the house when we visited one time - but there was one huge difference! It had 6.9 on the boot! What a car! I think we had a ‘65 Ford Anglia at the time - you can imagine what an impression this had on a nine year old lad!!

[@davidcameron6278]

what a pleasure to watch and listen to you. a very welcome change from the car reviews from America. I feel America has a chip on its shoulder that they have never came close to the Germans in car manufacturing . and then there is The Beatles.!!.. Love your videos Iain. thank you from Australia .

[@GrotrianSeiler]

"that was shifting"...what a wonderful expression. Great video. Thanks.

[@jamesdonald7485]

I had a 450SE in New Zealand at one stage and I loved the car - nothing like the 6.9 though! I remember reading a story about a 6.9 on the M1 and coming up behind a Jaguar V12. They just lined up the three-pointed star on the back of the Jag and blew it away!! Glorious days. I now live in Colombia and have a 1993 W124 E320 (107,000 miles), which I am very happy about - apart from a number of teething problems due to deferred maintenance, which we are gradually getting on top of. I had 6 older Mercedes in NZ between 1978 and 2010, starting with a 1963 220Sb. Last one was a 420SEC. I wish I still had them all!!!!!!!

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thanks for your comments!

[@MB-uw6eh]

What a treat to see this car given Tyrrell’s insights. I bought this car 15 years ago in Australia for $8000. It was in superb condition and I loved looking over that big rectangular bonnet adorned by the raised Mercedes star above the radiator. It was an absolutely lovely car to drive, lumbering, rolling, fast and comfortable w/ plenty of room in the interior to recline and relax while driving. I sold it for a new BMW X5 in 2012 for $5500 but years later still feel great affection for this Mercedes era.

[@beowulf5982]

I always let out a sigh when you say " Well that concludes another Tyrrell's classic workshop video". I could listen to you all day.

[@PaulBriden]

You stated this is the largest engined car produced in Europe at the time. From 1978 on you are correct. The Jensen Interceptor trumped it for 3 years. 7.2 litres.

[@iain_tyrrell]

The Merc was the largest European- engined (not US) car. Thanks for your interest

[@Incountry]

In the mid-80s my brother was a Body Guard for the head of a Kuwaiti family, they had homes all over the world, and when he used to stay in the UK he was driven around in this pale green/grey 6.9, it had less than 10k on the car, has this Alpine Sound system with subs in the rear shelf and splattered discreetly around, the amplification was horrendous power, Alpine UK fitted the system and at the time it was in excess of $20k. This thing would light up the tires all the way up to 80mph just spinning on its one rear wheel, stupid fast.!! But, on the yearly visits to Uk they would travel to Germany to his other home and when it was there he gave the car to MB GmbH, Stuttgart, they’d service it annually but this time they had it for a 3 week period, stripped it down, replaced all of the chassis components with suspension and bushes, new transmission, rebuilt the engine, replaced chrome, replaced radiators, AC system technically the car was renewed every 3 year (oh money is so wonderful) but after it was collected my brother said he noticed no difference, yet costing in excess of $35k (GDM at the time) which was a mouse squeak in the desert to them.! I remember the tag number being AXED 1, the story was the tag was purchased from the director of British Leyland Cars UK, after it dissolved and they had purchased the tag and placed it on the 6.9 the day they collected from MB UK (new), last I heard about that car was it was in a collision in 1991 in London as the chauffeur wasn’t paying attention to UK traffic laws as it was his first day driving the car from the US. At the time I was 16 and stayed with relatives in the Europe when my brother was on their travels in the summer so got to see it, ride in it and be in awe of a engine that was bigger than most domestic cars we had.

[@deltajohnny]

Great comment 👏👏👏

[@KarelBeelaertsvanBlokland]

'Treasury Island' - Brilliant! Thx for so many interesting stories and beautiful cars

[@waqarghulam3548]

One of my favourite cars of all time

[@johnanchovie2b]

I had the 450 SEL many years ago in Milan Brown. I have say that no other vehicle that I have experienced since has even come close to sheer luxurious thrill delivered by that mid 1970s Mercedes. Thanks for the review. Brought back many happy memories.

[@MaShcode]

Iain color-matched his trousers to the Mercedes. There’s commitment to excellence.

[@StewartP45]

German regulations always round up (never down) engine capacity to nearest 0.1 litre hence why 6834cc becomes 6.9. I doubt Benz or anyone else could (over) engineer to the level they did in the 70's and 80's now what with the myriad of legislative compliance and cost pressures. Another enjoyable lesson Mr Tyrrell,thank you.

[@solsol1624]

Oh really, it's a legal thing? Any source for that. I've got a 280 123, it's just under 2750cc so often wondered that!

[@288gto7]

Yeah gib source

[@wernerschroer6138]

The precise number of ccms determined the annual tax a car owner had to pay in Germany. To round 6834 ccm up to 6.9 L was done for marketing reasons and not because of legal requirements.

[@bennyhannover9361]

@@solsol1624 the Citroën CX 2400 was also only 2332 ccm, it is the engine from the DS23 so this was nothing new..

[@kevmagill5163]

A widow in my neighborhood had a bizarre flesh colored 6.9, when I was 16 I started a little car detailing business, (which I call Image Makers, cringe), and I put my cards on all the cooler cars in the neighborhood. I got the job of detailing her hotrod Benz and was able to drive it around the island, and once to McDonald's drive thru...it was really impressive and I felt like badass. I don't think I realized the true specialness of that car like I do now. Great video as always Iain, you really brought me back to a time when some special cars had character, power and class.

[@johncunningham4820]

Nitrogen also has a Lower Expansion Gradient . Less affected by Temperature . Beautiful Car Iain . Old World P O W E R , to paraphrase Clarkson . 🤣

[@bandagefreak]

Fantastic as ever! I've just read that James Hunt used to own a similar car and outran the police at the Scottish Borders at 120mph!! Apparently he got well clear of them, stopped up the road and hid, watched the panda car fly by, then caught up and flew past the same police car and over the Border to a golf tournament at Gleneagles!! Those were the days!!

[@hugoglenn9741]

Dad always said, don’t listen to stupidity about outrunning police. Radio signals will always be far faster than any car that will ever be made!

[@bandagefreak]

@@hugoglenn9741 LOL! You should read Hunt's former wife's account of that drive - p637-8 of "Shunt" - a fabulous autobiography on James Hunt's life. You'll believe it when you read all about him!

[@tonychavez2083]

Brilliant motorcar no doubt. Those cars were reserved for the upper crust of society only, in those days. An era for Mercedes that has long since past. I think the S class W140 might have been the end..

[@kilotangosierra]

this has got to be my favourite channel on youtube. i can listen to Iain talking about cars the whole day, everyday. this Gentleman is an institution of knowledge

[@muratabus7103]

"There is no replacement for displacement." - I agree with this wholeheartedly as the proud owner of a well kept Buick LeSabre 3.8 V6.

[@gotham61]

Love the 6.9. I've never owned one, but I did drive one solo coast to coast across the USA for a friend a few years back. He also owns a Bentley Turbo R for the ultimate vintage luxury sleeper car garage. I have owned a handful of its predecessor, the 300SEL 6.3.

[@The_Jas_Singh]

My Dad owned a workshop in Paddington in the 70's and 80's with contracts to look after a lot of Embassy Diplomatic cars and I had the pleasure of servicing and driving the whole range of models during my summer holidays from University. When the 6.9 came out, it was amazing to drive! I now own a CL500 from new

[@richardstamper5630]

Back in the day I used to own a chocolate brown Vanden Plas 1300, everyone hated it but it turns out I was pretty cool and ahead of the game. Love the Mercedes and it feels similar to my Continental R which goes far quicker that it ought to.

[@samirzx]

I like to thank you for your show I am a big fan of your show And I do love the way how you explain things you have a very good knowledge Thank you 😊

[@robertarthur3711]

In the early 80s me and my mates had RS2000, Dolomite sprints, lotus cortina’s, 3000e etc, we were racing down the Chertsey road West London when one of these came up and completely blitzed us out of sight, that is a fast car for 40 years ago.

[@andysalter4473]

A family member had one in blue. An utter beast of a car. He knew how to drive it as well and would often be well over 70 on motorways and dual carriageways. Another great video Ian.

[@peterj5751]

One of my favourite cars ever made. Beautiful and Germanic.

[@chrisrhodes3039]

Perfect colour for one of those especially when combined with the velour interior. As well as Ronin, this model had a starring role in Claude Lelouch's dawn dash across Paris filmed as C'etait un Rendez-vous in the mid 70s. The car in the story and with engine noises dubbed on afterwards was a Ferrari. The car used to do the actual filming was a W116 6.9.

[@Mike-rk8px]

If you do a search on KZbin for “Rendezvous 1976” you’ll find the full short film. How anyone got away with that is beyond me. I lived in Paris for 15 years and it’s a such a nightmare trying to drive there that the only time I used my car was when I was going outside the city. The movie was filmed on an early August morning, and Paris does empty out somewhat in August because so many Parisians leave the city for vacations, but it’s still pretty busy. If that driver/director tried that now, he’d either get stopped by the police quickly, or he’d get into an accident.

[@Desertduleler_88]

I remember that short film, l was disappointed when it wasn’t a Ferrari 275GTB.

[@Adrian_Nel]

@Chris Rhodes, yes, that is the original mad-dash-on-public-roads film, but the Ferrari sound track sticks in the throat. Apparently he sought permission from the authorities, but was denied, and then went ahead anyway. Nice lady at the end...

[@ShervinsGarage]

@@Desertduleler_88 I wasn't disappointed it wasn't a Ferrari. I was impressed it was a Mercedes.

[@Desertduleler_88]

@@ShervinsGarage They sold videos on vhs stating it was a Ferrari.

[@stevehislop]

As someone who is working with Gases all the time (I´m in R&D for A/C´s) and has funnily enough restored several Citroens, there are some things I´d like to mention: Nitrogen is used in the spheres for two reasons: It is inert and free of water. If you have air in a sphere that gets totally compressed under pressure sometimes, the water saturation of the air would separate as condensation and the sphere would sooner or later rust through from the inside out . Not good in a system that runs on a pressure between 75 and 180 bar. Air consists of 78% Nitrogen , 21% oxygen 0.9% of Argon and Noble Gases as well as the trace gas CO2 (only 0,04%-yes it is not making any diffence to the global temperature, it can´t,sorry). So if anybody can feel the difference in compressibillity factor of a mere 22% more Nitrogen in a tire , Kudo´s but I think I´ll stay sceptical about that claim. If you fill a tire with Nitrogen, there was already atmospheric air in it before, so you will never achieve a 100% pure filling anyways. Lets say it is 90% Nitrogen instead of 78% at the end, it is then only 12% more than normal air has in it. You can feel that? I think whether a tire is filled with 0,2bar more or less will have a way bigger influence, but I´m open for fact based arguments. I also doubt that the car industry is wasting money on Nitrogen filling of air tires, when you have access to pressurised air that the factory uses for all kind of cleaning purposes and which is reduced in water anyways. But hey, again: maybe I´m wrong and somebody can back it up with facts - I´m all ears and willing to learn. The other fact that distinguishes a hydropneumatic system from an ordinary air suspension you forgot to mention, is that the hydraulic fluid is dampened at the entry valve of the sphere. That way the spheres are a spring and a damper combined in one analogue unit and their respective set-up influences each other continiuosly over the whole working envelope. This way engineers can influence the characteristics of the supension just by having more or less pressure and a tighter or wider entry valve fitted as standard. A Citroen BX Diesel with 67hp as example, has very soft and less dampening spheres fitted in contrast to the relatively stiff BX GTI 16V. Other than that: Ian, your content is as always highly entertaining and I hope you don´t see my critique as an insult in any way, because your knowledge about cars is just awesome and knowing each detail about some crazy french suspension AND to know all the leather colors of every Rolls Royce is probably a bit asked too much for any mortal person:) Best Regards from Germany Tobias

[@spatchist]

Thanks for increasing my understanding of Citroen suspensions and nitrogen , I think the 'nitrogen in tyres' became a fashion at some point . I'd heard a story that race cars used it as it expanded less than air due to temperature change , so less change in pressure and less change in handling . I believe race teams also used nitrogen (?) in the air tools used for tyre changes , as it gave some performance advantage , not sure how.

[@donhuebert9151]

I personally thought nitrogen was so repair shops could charge for tire fills. "Nitrogen sir, that'll be $20 please". AFAIK it expands less than compressed air because the moisture content is close to zero.

[@Pete-z6e]

Tobias, a particularly German answer if I may be so bold!😇

[@djdrives]

Kudos, I hauled bulk cryogenic liquids for years.

[@davidorama6690]

Climate scientist as well as A/C expert, eh?

[@jimbob67]

I have great memories of a lovely metallic light blue customers car. My boss wouldn't let me drive it as was only 18 at the time. But I went on a spirited drive with him . What a power house. My favourite mercedes 😍

[@ih7521]

Not long after I started working with Mercedes cars we had 2 customers (who were brothers) with a brand new 6.9 each bringing them in regularly for servicing and repairs. Both the 6.9s were on W plates so they must have been among the last ones made. I remember them as virtually new cars when they came in for their first 5,000 mile services. I never saw that many 6.9s at all for the following 40 years, until more recently when they started reappearing as 'classics'

[@TheSaturnV]

For you Mercedes fans, the 1985 movie "Lost In America" starring Albert Brooks featured the 450SEL as a small part of its plot line. Brooks plays an advertising executive who is about to become a partner and is planning to purchase a new Mercedes, which the dealer quotes a price of over $44,000 USD. Shortly after, all his plans blow up in his face which sends him on a journey to "find himself." Later on in the movie, he is approached by a driver looking for directions in non other than a 1974 450SEL in Milan brown which makes a stunning screen appearance. It's a very funny movie and I thought of it immediately upon seeing this beautiful car.

[@visionist7]

There's one in Ronin as well, with a tan brown interior. They used some very uncharacteristic CGI tyre smoke for some reason.

[@soidog5]

Loved the door handle piece - reminds me of repairing the lock in the driver's door handle of my own W116 (albeit a lowly 280SE) - I couldn't believe how easy it was to remove and re-install, and how finely built it was - like it was machined from a solid billet of metal, just a lovely piece of work.

[@damienconlisk8725]

This is why Ian is one of the best,,, unbelievable knowledge of cars but still humble enough to stand corrected, cause at the start he said feel free to correct him,,, the sign of a true master of their craft is one who listen and not just preach, so listen and learn everybody from Ian

[@lindaoffenbach]

Fantastic, what an ultimate delight again. The design itself as W116 (and R107) is amongst my own top personal favorite as well. Can you imagine this design being presented in 1972... It must have been so distinctively and exotically exceptional ahead of its time on all aspects. It still is the one of my dreams to have in a top 10 classic collection, in concert with the R107. These models still raise my heart beat by just watching them. Absolutely stunning and so distinctive 🥰

[@derekheeps8012]

The thing is , if you compare a W116 or R107 with later cars ( or some earlier ones ) is the weight of the doors , and they way they thunk shut .... actually the doors on my R129 were also pretty solid . Porsche 911s of the same period are equally well built - but they all come from Stuttgart !

[@williammcmonagle52]

First I’ve came across this video it was absolutely brilliant to watch and I’m sure I’ll be watching more. I own a 1991 W126 300se just under 60k miles from new and used only for Classic car shows and summer drives. Thanks for taking the time to post this I found it really interesting. 100%

[@iain_tyrrell]

So glad you enjoyed it. Welcome to the channel.

[@jamesdonoghue5907]

As a young kid (about 9) I remember being taken out in a Milan Brown one of these on a dealership day from Chorley Autos - at the time my parents had a 450SLC. I remember there were at least 5 of us in it (3 kids and 2 or 3 adults, and the acceleration was striking at the time. They also had a C111 on show which looked like a space ship at the time.

[@mateogalguera9089]

Normally advertising before videos is a little frustrating but glad to see Ian getting more and more sponsorship, very quickly becoming one of my very favorite channels!

[@grantmckendry3323]

Look at the stunning colour of the Espada 💥💥💥

[@onlyTheSAVVY942]

Thanks for watching You can join our VIP offer Msg the number above👆👆 for more insights and profitable investment.📊 Tell Amanda I sent you

[@dertyp6849]

My grandad had a 420SE, built in 1988. We still drive it to this day and its a real joy every time. Thank you for the insight!

[@vicjones3992]

That's a 126.....

[@dertyp6849]

@ Ok, you just know notbing about cars.

[@kittonsmitton]

Unexpected plumbs among the 'regular' supercar fare, Loving it. Thank you Iain for your encyclopedic depth of knowledge and years of practical experience.

[@howardlake6178]

There is a great video by TopSpeedGermany, of one of these old ladies, singing, flat out. 1978 car as well. Sounds…glorious 😀

[@user-gc1zn5mn4p]

Iain, as an owner-driver of Mercedes-Benzes I especially enjoy your videos on M-Bs. I know many models of the make but I did not know this one; it was interesting--well done.

[@derekheeps8012]

I think it would be really nice to see a back to back comparison of the 6.3 vs the 6.9 . Incidentally , I was in George Harrison's 600 a few weeks ago - wonderful car !

[@user-gc1zn5mn4p]

@@derekheeps8012 Lucky you. :) I've never been in a 600 but I watched Jay Leno's video on his, on his KZbin channel--amazing technology for the time. I've never driven a 6.9 but I've driven 6.3 AMGs--they're rocket ships on wheels.

[@rotax636nut5]

Back in the mid 70's my father had a 350SL and used to let me drive it quite often which was a real treat, one of his friends had a 450SEL with the big engine and I used to service it for him, obviously some serious test driving was always necessary after the service to make sure all was well and boy did I enjoy test driving that car, it was shockingly fast!

[@001sander2]

Absolutely superb driving camera angles. Over the shoulder and the A pillar 👍🏽

[@blademan7671]

Parents had a new 450 SEL in the USA. Came 27:53 with full leather and auto climate control, and different door cards with no cloth and ash trays. Weird to see such expensive cars with cloth seats, and lacking other options in other countries. 3 speed auto, Speedo had marks on the dial for max per gear, and I still remember the mark for first gear at 60mph. It drove and rode beautifully.

[@plev10]

My dad had a yellow 450 SLC and he got my mom a matching color 450 SEL. I snuck hers out once to drop off a buddy at the Nantucket ferry, then drove back at 110. The beast was barely breathing at that speed and had much more to give. Such a beauty.

[@jakaraiahjakaraiah]

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[@jakaraiahjakaraiah]

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[@jakaraiahjakaraiah]

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[@jakaraiahjakaraiah]

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[@jakaraiahjakaraiah]

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[@weshall3556]

My dad has one sitting in the shed, been unregistered for quite some time. Silver with blue interior. Bought it about 30 years ago in Brisbane. Would love to see it back on the road one day.

[@ManosDanger]

I just found your channel and have been watching a few videos, the cars you showcase and what can be seen in the background, its insane. Congratulations

[@abccba3903]

Just love watching such a charming, passionate and knowledgeable chap, well done!

[@S-T-E-V-E]

I hope you gave a Christmas day episode planned Ian! I plan to watch whilst digesting my dinner! 😂

[@lehlogonolomashego929]

Such a lovely car. Thank you for this video

[@oldcarsnstuff]

Nice to see these are now getting the respect they deserve. I owned a dark blue one about 22 years ago. Fantastic car.

[@walterthorne4819]

I had one of these, a Euro model, metallic blue….very .smooth ride, tons of old school power, beautiful engineering,

[@carloscanziani1644]

What a beauty, congrats and keep showing us pure art!

[@robster6685]

Always a pleasure watching a superb craftsman

[@davidbarnsley8486]

That era Mercedes was always the one I wanted I always thought it was Mercedes’ at its best Good one Ian 👍👍👍

[@davydoo81]

You could have a series 3 Daimler Double Six in 1979 which was almost as fast and just as quick (some may argue even quicker!), with ride and handling again similar, if not better with an interior FAR superior for HALF the money!

[@joelhenderson4450]

Love that digression on door handles! I have always favoured the push button style as well, for that reason of control. It is well missed by me.

[@plusone4726]

Parked my crappy Torana in a very fancy valet carpark one night in the early 80's. Valet told me to get my own car, not anticipating, quite rightly, much of a tip. There was one of these next to my car, keys in the ignition, I leisurely drove it over two levels of the parking garage-it was effortless. First time I fell in love with MB's

[@gregharvie3896]

Hi Iain, from Sydney, Australia. USA premium cars from the big 3 manufacturers at the start of the 1970's all offered ABS braking. Lincoln rear axle only from late 1966 for the my'67 cars and EVERY Lincoln was so equipped to get the buyers used to the ABS brakes. For the Imperial, Chryslers engineers had gone all out offering from1971 electronic full 4-wheel ABS with a multi-channel computer in behind the dash. GM's 2 premium divisions along with GM's AC-Delco division were working on something far greater, they missed for 1971 models due to strikes & disputes, 1972 Cadillac & Buicks could be optioned with GM's AC-Delco's Trackmaster which was an electronic combined ABS and Traction control system, also controlled by a behind dash analogue computer. The 1974 GM big cars could have this added to with the ''full safety pack" which included airbags "Air Cushion Restraint System" and pretensioning roof mounted seat belts. The seatbelts are something else as they are wired and linked to G-force detecting Mercury switches around the car which are linked to Trackmaster & the 2 phase ACRS airbag deployment sensors and the self levelling suspension. HOW THIS WORKS, if you "nail" the gas pedal from a standing start there is no up at the front and down at the back suspension feel, otherworldly forces eject the car forward level like a bullet and there is no rear axle wind up either with the car wanting to twist down on the right rear suspension. I own a 1974 Cadillac Fleetwood Talisman (1700 units made), long wheelbase premium sedan, also with self-leveling via its air shocks suspension. Cadillac's most expensive product since the 1957-58 4 door Eldorado Broughams. I have owned it just over 40 years, it's elderly German first owner de-selected a sunroof when it was built as he hated them, as do I. Otherwise, it has EVERY option available fitted, he also wanted it de-badged on the sides and no opera lights in rear roof pillars so in Mason's black paint & a pale mustard color interior it is very discrete added to by an unusual and formal roof with tall & very curved & frameless door glass. Made for just 3 model years1974,75 & 76 with the 1974's having more equipment, which due to low sales from the first Arab oil embargo saw GM "asset" strip '75 & 76 car models to see more sold or cut their losses. When I first bought mine in September 1982 my Grandad's mate that did any mechanical work that was too complex for me, had bought himself a new 1978 Merc 450SEL 6.9 in metallic Rose wine with bone leather. a very pretty color combination. When he first had a look at my "new" Cadillac he was amazed at its list of advanced safety features and that they had been available in 1974, however very expensive in those times, so few people would pay the extra to get that equipment so most of those advanced features were pulled from GM's equipment lists for another two decades or more. Best to last Iain, this has been my main car for the past 40 years, I own several other lovely period cars, however this has been the favorite, bought with 102,700ks on in 1982 as Australia went metric from January 1974, now in December 2022, it has 704,000kls on it !! Mr taxman has paid for its maintenance as it has been registered for business use, so it looks and drives like it was/is new, as I knew I would never get another in the condition this one was in, so it has been driven with care and serviced to last. In all those miles, in all weathers, in heavy peak hour or light rural traffic it has never had a bump or a scrape. This car does not drive like a floaty softly sprung American car and its certainly not rollie poly either, it has a great deal of poise more like a modern vehicle push hard into aq corner and the car stays level and grips like a leech to flesh. It shows that considering its 3180 kilos dry weight plus 6 meters long & 2 meters wide what American cars could have been like if owners had been prepared to pay for the modern equipment that just became sidelined.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Very interesting- thanks!

[@erik_dk842]

I've added a few line breaks to your text: Hi Iain, from Sydney, Australia. USA premium cars from the big 3 manufacturers at the start of the 1970's all offered ABS braking. Lincoln rear axle only from late 1966 for the my'67 cars and EVERY Lincoln was so equipped to get the buyers used to the ABS brakes. For the Imperial, Chryslers engineers had gone all out offering from1971 electronic full 4-wheel ABS with a multi-channel computer in behind the dash. GM's 2 premium divisions along with GM's AC-Delco division were working on something far greater, they missed for 1971 models due to strikes & disputes, 1972 Cadillac & Buicks could be optioned with GM's AC-Delco's Trackmaster which was an electronic combined ABS and Traction control system, also controlled by a behind dash analogue computer. The 1974 GM big cars could have this added to with the ''full safety pack" which included airbags "Air Cushion Restraint System" and pretensioning roof mounted seat belts. The seatbelts are something else as they are wired and linked to G-force detecting Mercury switches around the car which are linked to Trackmaster & the 2 phase ACRS airbag deployment sensors and the self levelling suspension. HOW THIS WORKS, if you "nail" the gas pedal from a standing start there is no up at the front and down at the back suspension feel, otherworldly forces eject the car forward level like a bullet and there is no rear axle wind up either with the car wanting to twist down on the right rear suspension. I own a 1974 Cadillac Fleetwood Talisman (1700 units made), long wheelbase premium sedan, also with self-leveling via its air shocks suspension. Cadillac's most expensive product since the 1957-58 4 door Eldorado Broughams. I have owned it just over 40 years, it's elderly German first owner de-selected a sunroof when it was built as he hated them, as do I. Otherwise, it has EVERY option available fitted, he also wanted it de-badged on the sides and no opera lights in rear roof pillars so in Mason's black paint & a pale mustard color interior it is very discrete added to by an unusual and formal roof with tall & very curved & frameless door glass. Made for just 3 model years 1974,75 & 76 with the 1974's having more equipment, which due to low sales from the first Arab oil embargo saw GM "asset" strip '75 & 76 car models to see more sold or cut their losses. When I first bought mine in September 1982 my Grandad's mate that did any mechanical work that was too complex for me, had bought himself a new 1978 Merc 450SEL 6.9 in metallic Rose wine with bone leather. a very pretty color combination. When he first had a look at my "new" Cadillac he was amazed at its list of advanced safety features and that they had been available in 1974, however very expensive in those times, so few people would pay the extra to get that equipment so most of those advanced features were pulled from GM's equipment lists for another two decades or more. Best to last Iain, this has been my main car for the past 40 years, I own several other lovely period cars, however this has been the favorite, bought with 102,700ks on in 1982 as Australia went metric from January 1974, now in December 2022, it has 704,000kls on it !! Mr taxman has paid for its maintenance as it has been registered for business use, so it looks and drives like it was/is new, as I knew I would never get another in the condition this one was in, so it has been driven with care and serviced to last. In all those miles, in all weathers, in heavy peak hour or light rural traffic it has never had a bump or a scrape. This car does not drive like a floaty softly sprung American car and its certainly not rollie poly either, it has a great deal of poise more like a modern vehicle push hard into aq corner and the car stays level and grips like a leech to flesh. It shows that considering its 3180 kilos dry weight plus 6 meters long & 2 meters wide what American cars could have been like if owners had been prepared to pay for the modern equipment that just became sidelined.

[@ianmangham4570]

@@erik_dk842 Say that again please

[@fabianbauza4448]

This channel deserves at least a couple million suscribers. Greetings from Uruguay

[@Terraceview]

Actually, the door handles are one of the favorite parts I have on mine... it feels just so right. And closing the doors sounds like closing a vault.

[@slartybartfarst9737]

Remember being given a lift in one of these when i was 15. That was my introduction to Hyropnuematic suspension, never forgot it, later owned many Citroens.

[@SportsCarAdvisors]

EXCELLENT episode. In depth look at a really neat car. The level and depth of engineering brought to surface, an elegant classic of a golden era, being shown and driven in glory. Would love to see more of interior and specific features like instrumentation, boot, glove box, books etc. Thanks!

[@szilardtoth8814]

An artwork this car is! Back in the day, metallic paint had been an outlandishly expensive feature. Especially paired with a european V8 big block engine.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Yes….. cheap they were not!

[@Terraceview]

I've got the 4.5 and that already goes pretty good. I love their designs, the W126 is pretty much a re-shell of this one.

[@onlyTheSAVVY942]

Thanks for watching You can join our VIP offer Msg the number above👆👆 for more insights and profitable investment.📊 Tell Amanda I sent you

[@williamdavis9667]

As a teenager in the mid 70s this is still the ultimate - thank you Ian for a very interesting and informative video. Still miss velour interiors!

[@RWL2012]

*Iain*

[@leosheepman]

Amazing car, thanks for the work you put into these fantastic videos. Full of reliable information delivered in a calm and perfect format.

[@thyslop1737]

That 6.9 was a beast.

[@Phil-RS]

One of the great cars? Overstated yet understated, stunning car, thank you Iain, have a nice Christmas and keep up the cool work!

[@keithskelton2287]

Hi Iain Great video I had a similar door handle issue on my 3 Litre G wagon in its life apart from tyres that was it in about 8 years of my ownership In the snow it was a dream Thanks again

[@nomebear]

I paid $1,700 for one of these that was owned by an elderly neighbor. It was a metallic green with black leather. As luck would have it, there was a wrecked 6.9 that someone had spent a fortune on restoring before it was totaled, and I mind that car for all of its new parts. It's expensive owning a 6.9 and also suffering from OCD. It seems there's always something that needs attention. Upon leaving the country, the 6.9 was sold to a neighbor, and he's since sold it. I'm certain it's in storage someplace, and I'm most happy to not be picking up the repair bills on it. As a mechanic, keeping it running was time-consuming.

[@markalbert4652]

Wow this one brings back some memories. I worked at a Mercedes specialist in the late 80's and we had a customer with exactly the same car, also in Milan Brown. He was a Chinese business man and he had pure white cotton seat covers and head rest covers fitted (that we had to be very careful with when we worked on the car). He drove it very sedately and did not look like the type to drive a fire breathing monster like the 450 SEL 6.9. I took it for a test drive a couple of times and could not believe the acceleration. The ONLY Mercedes of that era that I drove that would wheel spin on a dry road (uhm, apparently). Just select Drive and floor it (apparently). In the front of the service book Mercedes even had the power & torque figures for that individual engine printed there!

[@munnsie100]

Iain, I particularly enjoyed your door handle engineering explanation. I far prefer the fixed handle with press button, not only aesthetically, but in a functional sense. It feels more substantial and controllable than a lift up handle. I wish cars were still manufactured so thoughtfully, with such details in mind.

[@adams7405]

Can't have push buttons now...I was involved in designing the handles for the E46 BMW and we had to have ones that were easy to grip and lever for the fire brigade in case of an accident.I was present at the side impact test and while the door was slightly jammed a good yank on the handle opened it.

[@munnsie100]

@@adams7405 that’s a very interesting point, there are so many factors to consider, it would be beyond most people!

[@closewatcher8586]

Wow this brings back memories! I had a 1978 Mercedes 350SE when I lived in Germany around 1987. It was the same brown color. Best car hands down that I have ever owned. It had air-powered door locks I remember. I could get it to 240 kph on the Autobahn 5 between Koln and Frankfurt. Sadly, it was too expensive to convert and bring back to the US.

[@RS-vu3df]

Again a nice episode. Small addition for the reason manufacturers fill tires with nitrogen ( I can confirm that DAF trucks does not); the compressibility factor (Z), is 1 for air and about 1,5 % higher for nitrogen. Higher is less compressible, but neglectable. Diffusion of nitrogen is about 40% lower than air.

[@KeyWestChrisRehm]

Of course every model car caters to the target market that they are sold in. I worked for Bill Ussery Motors Mercedes-Benz in Coral Gables, Florida (in the Miami area) when this model was available. On U.S. versions the model designation on the trunk omitted the 450 SEL nomenclature on the left side of the trunk and only carried the 6.9 designation on the right.. Also, on U.S. models the interior was only available in leather. This included the interior door panels. Thanks for covering this car, Iain!

[@OFBCyclingWorld]

Love this video Iain. I own a low milage "baby" 1978 280SE, with self levelling suspension just in the rear, which I really like. Those little crossflow hemi engines are fabulous and can really rev, but not quite the thumping power of the 6.9. I feel the mechanical fuel injection that Mercedes used in these cars was a game changer. P.S. I did like the room you gave to the cyclists too, well done. That is the way all car drivers should do it.

[@hugoglenn9741]

Look at my recent comment about mechanical injection

[@derekheeps8012]

The main thing about the M110 ( and I have had many - W114 280E , W123 280E/CE/TE , W116 280SE , W126 280SE and R107 280SL - the only one I never had was the 280GE but maybe one day ) was the howl like a jet engine when you got close to maxing them out . Wonderful engines , but just as thirsty as the V-8s .

[@MBACCR]

Tyrrell's - this is a fantastic clip.

[@jdwxflyer]

Don’t think I ever saw a 6.9 here in the US, but the 450SEL were plentiful here in the 70s and 80s. However, all the ones I remember had pin stripes from front to rear. I assume that was a dealer installed option? Great video Iain.

[@ThomasMauger]

Yes, that was a US dealer thing and almost every US car (70s-90s in my experience) got pinstriping. My brother has two twin 1993 190E Sportline Limited Edition cars that are identical except having two different styles of pinstriping as they came from different dealers.

[@Braun30]

In the mid 1990s I worked for an American company with their Swiss owned company. The American director who started the office bought one of these and I ended up to keep the thing for a few months when he returned to the US and spent the time in organising the import to Florida. Probably the monster is now riding up and down Boca Raton, the thing I remember is the plethora of gadgets and the thirst the thing showed every time I ran it.

[@harryatkinson9757]

I was based at Great Lakes Naval Training Centre in the mid ‘80s, one of the German sailors brought a 450SEL 6.9 with him over to the US, I used to drive it a lot, still one of the greatest motoring memories I have…..

[@landhopper4296]

There’s a great drive story where David E David from Car and Driver, his wife, and Mel Nichols from ‘Car’ take one of these across the US back in the day, with the aid of a CB radio to avoid getting constantly nicked for speeding. It’s in Nichols’ book, “And the revs keep rising” but I bet it’s also in a Car and Driver archive article somewhere.

[@krh007]

I own a Midnight blue Euro 1989 W126 560SEL 300hp version with the more advanced active full Hydro suspension than the W116 6.9. Mine firms up the struts during more aggressive driving and also lowers the car 30mm at 120kph for high speed driving. That system i believe is the pinnacle of the fluid suspension before MB introduced air suspension in the 90's. My 560SEL has the full AMG bodykit,3 piece forged wheels and extra burlwood interior that really blings up the beige creme trim cabin. The 300hp version came standard with oil cooler, 2.65LSD diff & Tri-Ys which i have upgraded the no cat factory exhaust to larger custom S/Steel freee flowing system also sounds the part. Interestingly my 560SEL was a private import from the UK to Australia in 1996 and a very rare example not available new in Australia as we only only got the lower output engines with coil spring suspension. The only way these upspec models ever got into the country in later years was by privately importing at great cost. It would be great if Iain could get his hands on one of these examples local in the UK and do video segment on that more advanced active hydro suspension in the Gen2 W126 as it is truly an amazing piece of engineering even more complex than the W116 6.9 version. Really enjoyed this video Iain and thanks for another trip down memory lane