1975 Lorinser Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 up for sale
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 rocket.
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 6.9L capacity it wrung out 406 lb-ft. 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 for the vehicle at that time represented the value of an expensive apartment. For everyone who didn’t really want to restrain the concentrated power, Sportservice Lorinser even then offered an extra-portion of overtaking prestige.
While the factory version of the W116 was a typical 1970s car, thanks to the styling 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 The slim chrome bumpers, making the bodywork seem slim and flat, have been replaced by the technicians with wide, square plastic aprons at the front and rear.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 hp, which handles the 0-60 mph sprint in 7.1 seconds with a 3-speed automatic.
Unfortunately the tires, 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 1970s Lorinser did not offer its own wheels. The eight-cylinder, which like a real sports car has dry sump lubrication, permits a maximum of 141 mph.
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. Lorinser has put their demo car up for sale.