AT the Frankfurt International Motor Show back in 1972, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new generation of flagship luxury-class vehicles, newly-named the S-Class.
Today, touching on 50 years later, the vehicle is still a work of art. In fact, it’s more than that, because there’s not much art you can drive down an autobahn.
If you went back in time and combined the best artistic minds with the best engineering minds, you’d have come up with a vehicle something like this generation of S-Class.
It’s a product of its time, sure, but it’s still a head-turning, eye-gluing, masterpiece. In fact, sometimes it’s hard to look away – the stance of this model is so balanced.
It’s a luxury vehicle, but it’s a weightlifter in a fine suit. It’s a velvet sledgehammer.
This model, a 1976 450 SE sedan with a 4.5l V8, is owned by Mooroopna’s John Papoulis.
John, who owns and runs Shepparton’s Bohjass Wine Bar Restaurant & Bar with his partner, Rosie, is a life-long car – and V8 – enthusiast. He’s owned more than 40 cars in his lifetime, but the 450 SE is a new addition and a new favourite.
John has lowered the front end a touch, but apart from that, the car is essentially as it would have been 20, 30, and even 40 years ago.
“It’s all factory-made. This is how it was,” John said.
It’s a big, heavy car at 1,740kg, but as John said, it’s got more than enough power to pull its weight.
Inside, it’s like stepping back in time to the Business Class section of a 747.
Mercedes-Benz’s attachment to luxury is all there. The driver’s seat feels like a couch and there’s an electric sunroof and cruise control.
The engine itself is a beast. A jungle of cables and tubes wrapped around a solid heart that produces an effortless roar.
Designed to sit comfortably on freeways, the 450 SE has a top speed of 210km/hr. If pushed, it can get itself from stationary to 100km/hr in less than 9 seconds.
“I like the noise and the power of it, the looks and the stance of this Mercedes,” John said.
Don’t we all?
A ticket to Gold ClassIf you, or anyone you know, is passionate about their car, motorbike, bicycle, or wheelbarrow (basically anything with wheels), please get in contact with The Adviser at editor@sheppartonadviser.com.au. Happy driving!
