Lorinser puts up tuned 450 SEL 6.9 W116 for sale

Mercedes-Benz launched the 450 SEL 6.9 in the 1975. The super sedan was based on the W116 model series and as the range-topper it embodied fame, luxury, as well as power. Only for this model did Mercedes borrow the 6.9-litre V8 engine from the State 600 limousine which at the time was like the Rolls-Royce of Germany. Maximum torque was rated at 550Nm. That is quite massive even by today's standards. When new its peak power was 286hp (210kW).

Lorinser is now bringing the 450 SEL 6.9 into the attention of a new generation by reminding us of the kind of work the tuner completed on it back then. Wide square plastic aprons up front were installed in the place of the old slim chrome bumpers. It was the same for the rear which then featured more a copious shape with Lorinser double exhaust pipes.

The tuner says that although the car rides on a hydro-pneumatic suspension system and keeps the ride soothing, it still handles well for its age. Cornering is apparently quite safe and road grip is firm. The steering wheel is nimble as it gives the driver incentive to keep pushing.

Performance figures suggest this golden oldie can still hang out with some of the best from today. It goes from 0 - 100km/h in 7.4 seconds using its 205/55 VR 16 wheels and the 3-speed automatic gearbox. BBS furnished the multi-spoke wheels because at that point Lorinser did not produce its own. The engineers reckon wider tyres would probably help bring the sprint time down. Top speed is 225km/h.

There is no price provided but interested parties can contact Lorinser directly should they wish to acquire this unit.

Press Release

Lorinser celebrates the reunion with a tuned 450 SEL 6.9 W116

Torque rocket from the wild 70s

By 1975 the USA had long mothballed its moon vehicles, as with the Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9, W116 series the Germans unveiled a road rocket, whose thrust felt like it could easily rival a Saturn V. The constructors borrowed the engine from the basis of the powerful State limousine 600, which was equal to a Rolls-Royce in fame and luxury. From a gigantic 6,834 cubic centimetre capacity it wrung out 550Nm. At its time this was an absolute record for a car and in comparison still has enough, to achieve the decisive trump against a current S500. These are sports values which many people would hardly expect behind the "baroque" facade, even though the price of 70,000 Marks for the vehicle at that time represented the value of a commonhold flat. For everyone who didn't really want to restrain the concentrated power, Sportservice Lorinser even then offered an extra-portion of overtaking prestige. The Swabian tuner currently has a corresponding vehicle with modern tuning on show in the Classic Center at its car dealership in Waiblingen.

While the factory version of the W116 was a typical 70s car, thanks to the optical package from Lorinser it was able to make the jump to the modern era. The slim chrome bumpers, making the bodywork seem slim and flat, have been replaced by the technicians with wide, square plastic aprons at the front and rear. It almost seems as if the front spoiler with the racing grill insert and the integrated fog lights served as a prototype for Mercedes in the design of the next S-Class with the factory code W126. On the sides massive side sills form an arch to the rear, which has also gained in volume due to a new rear apron and on its left side boasts a massive double exhaust pipe from Lorinser. With a firm step on the accelerator you can hear the snorting of 286 horses (210kw), which manage the gallop from 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds in a three gear automatic. Unfortunately the tyres, which are thin for modern dimensions in 205/55 VR 16 format, limit the traction a little. On the other
hand the multi-spoke alloys are a real sight for sore eyes: They come from BBS, as in the 70s Lorinser did not offer its own wheels. The eight-cylinder, which like a real sports car has dry sump lubrication, permits a maximum of 225km/h. Even then the hydro-pneumatic suspension system of the S-Class, which is based on a French patent, offers a harmonic ride. For its age the Mercedes takes fast corners extremely coolly and can be controlled with the maximum-grip Lorinser steering wheel surprisingly nimbly. It is therefore a car which doesn't just invite cautious cruising.

Anyone who has now acquired a taste, cannot just wonder at the 450 SEL 6.9 on display, but can also purchase it.