22 October 2021
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iScale Mercedes-Benz S Class 450 SEL 6.9 (W116) 1975-1980 - Gold
PRICE: £92.99
REF NO: ISC 18083
SCALE: 1/18
Produced between 1975 and 1981, the superbly stylish Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL was one of the top 'must-have' executive luxury saloon cars of the period. Taking over from the 6.3-litre 300 SEL, the 450 had a tough act to follow, but it most certainly succeeded.
Powered by a bigger 6.9-litre engine, the 450 SEL 6.9 is the high-performance version of the W116 S-Class saloon. It was based on the long-wheelbase version of W116 chassis, introduced in 1972, and equipped with the Mercedes-Benz M100 V8 engine. The 450 SEL 6.9 was presented to the public at the Geneva Auto Show in 1974.
That big new engine was mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission, 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 with a 240 km/h (149 mph) top speed.
The 450 SEL 6.9 also had the distinction of having the first full hydropneumatic suspension system from Mercedes-Benz and was the world’s first passenger car to be fitted with a modern form of ABS, electronic four-wheel multi-channel anti-lock braking system from Bosch, in 1978.
The total (limited) production from 1975 to 1980 was 7,380 units, with 1,816 exported to the North American markets (United States and Canada) from 1977 to 1981. It's technical successor was the 500 SEL (W126), launched in 1980 and sharing the same M117 engine with 450 SEL, but being a regular production model, aficionados of the marque consider the 450 SEL's true successor to be another limited production car, the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 55 Kompressor AMG (W220, 2003–2005).
This rather weighty and impressive diecast from iScale oozes quality and style, straight out of the box. Despite a lack of opening features (although the shutlines are very realistically done, to make you think that there might be), this impressive model looks every inch like the real thing. So much so that this is one of those models where you have to look really closely at the photographs to make sure that you're not looking at an image of a real car.
The flawless metallic paint finish is stunning, merely adding to the 'real' illusion, and the interior does nothing to dispel these thoughts either, looking very comfortable indeed through the ample glazed areas.
Many manufacturers at this scale are paying extra attention to the detail of the light lenses. And iScale is obviously no exception here, as these look truly excellent too.
The body shape is absolutely spot-on and that imposing radiator grille is rather excellent too, with a superb chromed finish. The super chromework extends to the bumpers, side trim and mirrors too.
A totally bodacious beauty, perfect for any collection.