W116 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 powerful S-class, 1979

The W116 was offered in standard or long-wheelbase form – denoted by SE or SEL nomenclature. Quite typical for Mercedes, a variety of engines ranging from a 2.8 liter inline six to (initially) a 4.5 liter V8 allowed customers to specify their car to suit their exact needs and wants. Soon, however, Mercedes took a brief reprieve from its conservative, safety-minded approach and introduced the bonkers 450 SEL 6.9 for 1975. As the name would suggest, Mercedes took the long wheelbase W116 and shoved a massive 6.9 liter V8 into the engine bay. With 286 horsepower on tap, the engine could push the 5,300 pound sedan to sixty in just over 7 seconds and on to a top speed of 140 mph. #autowrap source: Hyman Ltd