What’s special about this car is not only what it is—an impeccably maintained W116 S-Class that has was driven sparingly by a single family over 45,000 miles—but what it isn’t. It’s not a 450 and it’s not a longer wheelbase SEL.

What it has are the original books, tools, Becker Europa, and complete service records dating back to 1977. What it doesn’t have is the 4.5 (or 6.9) liter V8. It has the stalwart M110 2.8-liter inline six. It doesn’t have the Bundt alloy wheels. It has steelies with hubcaps painted in the same Medium Red as the pristine and original body. It doesn’t have leather upholstery. It has Bamboo MB-Tex in likewise pristine and original condition.

What it has is a history dating back to the New York Auto Show before being purchased by the seller’s grandfather. There would be know way to drive, or even sit in, a car like this and not feel its soul. It’s on the MB Market where bidding is underway at $5,000, ending January 19, 2023 at 05:25 p.m.