W116 with column shift

[6.9forever]

Early W116s (at least 280S/SE/SEL) were available with auto column shift/gear selector (Lenkradschaltung). This brochure shot also showed a rare combination of no radio but with air-conditioning (Klima-Anlage)! Nowadays, we have come full circle with the W212 and W221 using column-mounted auto gear selector exclusively!

 

[450SE]

Early W116s (at least 280S/SE/SEL) were available with auto column shift/gear selector (Lenkradschaltung). This brochure shot also showed a rare combination of no radio but with air-conditioning (Klima-Anlage)! Nowadays, we have come full circle with the W212 and W221 using column-mounted auto gear selector exclusively!

Thankfully the radio & airconditioning system is now standard!
I'm also grateful that the design of the column itself is now far more svelte

 

[Styria]

I don't at all mind the idea of a column shift selector - only drawback would be the additional complication of running the linkage to the gearbox. The set-up reminds me of the 300 Finnie I used to own way back when, and luckily the linkage components were not worn. However, on some of the other models I came across, repair/replacement was an involved process that you didin't really want to know about. Regards Styria

 

[MB_Mike]

I saw my first 116 with column shift on Ebay. I liked it so much I saved the picture to my photobucket account and mixed it up in the folder with my 500SLC. Boy did that cause some confusion when I posted the link to my pics.

 

[Michel]

I saw my first 116 with column shift on Ebay. I liked it so much I saved the picture to my photobucket account and mixed it up in the folder with my 500SLC. Boy did that cause some confusion when I posted the link to my pics.

Hahahaha.
I can imagine a 500SLC with column shift.

That would have confused a few