MATRIX SCALE MODELS Mercedes-Benz 300SD Turbodiesel W116 USA blue

On its debut in September 1972, the Mercedes W116 series was recognized as a benchmark in the luxury sedans sector. Indeed, at that time, the W116 created a vacuum around itself, with a build quality and a range of engines that no other brand was able to offer. The W116 was the first Mercedes to bear the S-class name, such as "Sonderklasse", ie special class. The range was expanded over the years, with smaller engines such as on the 280 up to the 6.9-liter engine of the 1975 450 SEL. In September 1979 the new S-class (W126 series) made its debut, but the W116 went on to to April 1980 with the 450 SEL and 300 SD.

In May 1978 the 116 series range was further extended. One of the new models was the 300 SD (type W116 D30A, chassis type 116.120), conceived for the North American markets and attracted the attention of buyers exactly as had happened three years earlier with the 450 SEL 4.9. The 3005cc OM617 5-cylinder engine block that had proven popular on the 240D 3.0 and 300D was fitted with a turbocharger, which was a big novelty at the time. The transmission was a 4-speed automatic. The car got large bumpers in line with American safety standards and double front headlights. Production of the 300 SD continued until September 1980, with over 28,000 examples built.