The "stately" looks are one of the many things I like about my W116. I do think that one of the reasons you don't see the W116s around is due to rust. These cars were known for it. Another problem may be that most people think getting parts for these "old" cars would be very difficult to get. I mean, who would think you could still get OEM parts for a 1973 car, from a dealer. I say 1973 because that's when the W116 chassis was introduced. For example, I was able to buy from a dealer the power window switch for the passenger side, which controls both front and rear windows. This switch cost me $25. This style of switch had been used even before the W116. Go to your local Ford dealer and try to get an OEM switch for a 1973 model. I think that the time will come when these W116s will be more appreciated. Especially as Mercedes styling starts to blend in with the common car.

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1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member