|
Price |
|
-- |
Production |
|
-- |
|
Engine |
-- |
Weight |
-- |
|
Aspiration |
-- |
Torque |
-- |
|
HP |
-- |
HP/Weight |
-- |
|
HP/Liter |
-- |
1/4 mile |
-- |
|
0-62 mph |
-- |
Top Speed |
-- |
(from Daimler Press
Release) Modern Classics: the Mercedes-Benz S-Class of the 116
series (1972 to 1980)
• The brand’s first
luxury class model series to bear the S-Class name
• Numerous technical innovations have helped to make it the
forerunner
• The Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 became the top-of-the-range
model in 1975
The luxury class saloons
of the Mercedes-Benz brand have borne the “S-Class” name for what
seems like an eternity. Yet in fact this has only been the case
since 1972: this was the year in which the new luxury class model
series designated internally as the 116 made its official debut
under the S-Class name, initially in the form of the 280 S, 280 SE
and 350 SE. In 1975 the brand brought out a new top-of-the-range
model which set standards in many respects: the Mercedes-Benz 450
SEL 6.9 boasted the largest engine capacity for a saloon at that
time, providing sports car-like levels of performance. In 1977, the
300 SD model also set standards: it became the first Mercedes-Benz
luxury class saloon to feature a diesel engine, and at the time was
destined exclusively for export to North America. It was also a
pioneering model, however – today the diesel engine is a natural
alternative to the petrol engine in all vehicle classes.
The S-Class has always
been an innovation driver and has introduced a variety of new
technological automotive products and features which have set
standards across the sector. The same is true of the 116 model
series. In the brochure dating from 1972, the brand declared in a
confident and appropriate manner: “Mercedes-Benz vehicles have [...]
reached such a high technical standard that it did not seem possible
to be able to achieve any further advances of discernible
significance. Nevertheless, this is precisely what we have succeeded
in achieving with the new S-Class - by pushing the physical and
technical boundaries of modern automotive engineering. Currently it
is not possible to imagine a better overall solution. In some areas
it has been possible to make such substantial advances that we are
able to talk about new dimensions of driving characteristics, safety
and comfort.”
This is true: the 116
series scored highly in many areas, with such innovations as the
double-wishbone front suspension, for example, which had been used
for the first time in 1969 in the C 111 prototype vehicle. The
S-Class was designed consistently on the basis of results gathered
from safety research, right through to the interior which in many
areas was built with a view to keeping the risk of injury to an
absolute minimum. The fuel tank was installed over the rear axle to
provide protection in the event of a collision. And 1978 witnessed
the debut of an epoch-making innovation in the area of safety:
Mercedes-Benz premiered the world’s first anti-lock braking system
(ABS) in the 116-series S-Class – and what had been a long-standing
dream of the engineers became a reality. The sheer number of
innovative details means that such an S-Class is still up-to-date
even today, and as such it is a true modern classic.
This aspect is also
reflected in the design of the model series: it clearly places the
vehicle in the 1970’s, yet it is still by no means archaic. The
designers of the brand skilfully crafted the 116 series with lines
which have kept it fresh during its time – and still keep it fresh
today.
Driving a 116-series
S-Class today provides just as high a standard of ride as ever. Even
long distances can be covered comfortably in the Saloon, as the
spaciousness and comfort of the normal S-Class already set
standards. The long-version offers almost regal levels of comfort
with its longer legroom in the rear. Sometimes you might even wish
you had a chauffeur to drive you – although taking to the wheel
yourself affords immense joy, enabling the quality and precision of
the whole vehicle to be experienced.
Mercedes-Benz makes it
easy to look after a modern classic from the moment of taking
ownership thanks to the brand’s excellent provision of spare parts
and the available know-how: almost every part can be obtained via
Mercedes-Benz partners and the company’s own ordering system, with
delivery for the most part taking place overnight. Some authorised
workshops have also even been appointed as Classic Partners – they
are able to demonstrate outstanding expertise with older vehicles.
Furthermore, anyone
looking for a modern classic is also likely to strike it lucky with
the manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz Young Classics is the division
specialising in such vehicles, and offers several examples in its
vehicle range – all in excellent condition and with a traceable
history, such that they could almost pass for new vehicles. So
convinced is it of their quality that Mercedes-Benz Young Classics
even offers a warranty for the vehicles – something which is unique
in the automotive sector.
