Description
In the late sixties, Mercedes-Benz incorporated the 6.3-litre powerplant from its 600 limousine to its S-Klasse lineup, effectively creating the world’s first European Q-Car. The next generation of flagship models, the W116, would see its top models equipped with a refined 6.9-litre engine and a hydropneumatic suspension.
The 6.9 was first shown to the motoring press at the Geneva Auto Show in 1974, and produced between 1975 and 1981 in extremely limited numbers. It was billed as the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz car line, and the successor to Mercedes-Benz’s original high-performance sedan, the 300SEL 6.3. The 6.9 also has the distinction of being among the first vehicles ever produced with optional electronically controlled anti-lock brakes, first introduced by Mercedes-Benz and Bosch in 1978.
AMG started off by designing and testing racing engine, later expanding its business into building custom road cars based upon standard Mercedes cars. AMG initially produced a range of unofficial upgrade and accessories packages mainly for Mercedes-Benz production models of the 1970s and 80s.
This fabulous example of the powerful 6.9 model resided in a private collection for many years, supported by a very comprehensive service record. Showing under 90,000 kilometres from new, the 6.9 runs and drives fabulously, and is fitted with a number of desirable AMG options. Offered with a UK V5 document, service records and Mercedes book pack, this is a wonderful example of a true thoroughbred super saloon.
