1975 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9
In May 1975 Mercedes presented the 450 SEL 6.9 – the new top model in the series and true successor to the 300 SEL 6.3. The powerful 6.9-liter V8 engine, developed from the highly successful 6.3-liter unit, achieved an output of 286 hp (210 kW) and maximum torque of 56 mkg. The hydropneumatic suspension with self-leveling – featured for the first time in a Mercedes-Benz passenger car – guaranteed the utmost in ride comfort. Other special equipment included in the standard specification for the top-of-the-range model were the central locking system, air-conditioning and a headlamp wash/wipe system. As was the case with its direct predecessor, the 450 SEL 6.9 proved an immediate success; although it was more than twice as expensive as the 350 SE, a total of 7,380 units were built during its four and a half year production period.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| price $ | $ $38 230 USD |
| engine | V8 w/Dry Sump Lubrication |
| valvetrain | SOHC 2 Valves per Cylinder |
| fuel feed | Bosch Fuel Injection |
| displacement | 6834 cc / 417.0 in³ |
| bore | 107 mm / 4.21 in |
| stroke | 95 mm / 3.74 in |
| compression | 8.0:1 |
| power | 213.3 kw / 286 bhp @ 4250 rpm |
| specific output | 36.58 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 129.2 bhp per tonne |
| redline | 5000 |
| wheel type | Aluminum Alloy |
| front tires | Michelin XWX, 215/70 VR-14 |
| rear tires | Michelin XWX, 215/70 VR-14 |
| front brakes | Vented Discs |
| f brake size | x 277 mm / x 10.9 in |
| rear brakes | Solid Discs |
| r brake size | x 279 mm / x 11.0 in |
| front wheels | F 35.6 x 16.5 cm / 14 x 6.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 35.6 x 16.5 cm / 14 x 6.5 in |
| f suspension | Hydropneumatic Stuts w/Control Arms, Anti-Sway Bar |
| r suspension | Semi Trailing Arm w/Hydropneumatic Stuts w/Control Arms, Anti-Sway Bar |
| curb weight | 1973 kg / 4350 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2960 mm / 116.5 in |
| front track | 1521 mm / 59.9 in |
| rear track | 1506 mm / 59.3 in |
| length | 5334 mm / 210 in |
| width | 1869 mm / 73.6 in |
| height | 1410 mm / 55.5 in |
| transmission | 3-Speed Auto |
| gear ratios | 2.31:1, 1.46:1, 1.00:1, :1 |
| top speed | ~225 kph / 139.8 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~7.2 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~20.9 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~16.0 seconds |
