1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL

4dr Sedan

8-cyl. 4520cc/190hp Bosch FI

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$14,700*

+0.7%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph04/2407/2410/24$5k$10kJan 2025
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1973-1979 Mercedes-Benz 450 stats
Highest sale
$156,750
Lowest sale
$346
Most recent sale
$4,950
Sales
250

Photos

44 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 4dr Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
insurance

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**Figure based on a stock 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL valued at $14,700 with OH rates with $100/300K liability/UM/UIM limits. Actual costs vary depending on the coverage selected, vehicle condition, state and other factors. Hagerty determines final risk acceptance.

Model overview

Model description

The Mercedes-Benz 450 SE and SEL sedans replaced the 300SE 4.5 V8, which was the last of the 1960s “tall” grille Mercedes sedans. The changes were largely to meet the stricter U.S. safety requirements, and the big bumpers necessitated a redesign of the body. The engine also powered the new 450SL roadster.

The 450SE sedans were widely considered one of the best cars for the money in their day, with a 190-hp fuel-injected, 4.5-liter SOHC V8, three-speed automatic transmission, independent suspension and disc brakes all round, and standard air conditioning. The SEL model stretched the wheelbase four inches for back seat passengers.

The Mercedes-Benz 450 received Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection in 1975, but there were few changes until 1977, when the base SE model was dropped. Also in 1977, the 6.9-liter 450SEL was introduced with 250 horsepower, and a 140-mph-plus top speed. This model was only built through 1979 but it was considered the best sedan extant during its day, and it cost a whopping $15,000 more than the “ordinary” $30,000 450SEL. The 6.9 could do 0-60mph in 7 seconds, which was pretty good going for a car that weighed about 4,500 pounds, and it rode on a complex but sublime hydro-pneumatic self-leveling suspension.

For anyone considering buying one of these models, a pre-purchase inspection is essential. Complete service records and an unbroken chain of ownership are a must, as original owners could afford, and always maintained the cars. Later aspirational owners, on the other hand, tended to sell the cars on when they received bad news from the garage. A total of 101,179 450SE and SEL sedans were sold and there are plenty of survivors.

The same is true in spades with the 6.9-liter cars, but with only 7,380 built, these have always been collectible and far fewer have fallen into serious disrepair. Of course, some have so be forewarned.

Vehicle specifications

  • Shipping Weight3860 lbs
  • Vehicle Length199.2 in
  • Wheelbase - Inches116.5 in
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Common Questions

The value of a 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $14,700 for a 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL at auction over the last three years was $25,200. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL at auction over the last three years was $4,400. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 9 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SELs sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL was $5,250 on November 19, 2024 by Bring a Trailer.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.