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

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

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.

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.

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

@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.

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

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!

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

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

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 :)

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.

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....

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!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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