Here's why:
* Overdrive was a relatively new technology in the 1970s: While overdrive transmissions were starting to be offered on some cars, they weren't as common as they became in later decades.
* Mercedes-Benz tended to be conservative with technology: Mercedes-Benz was known for its robust and reliable engineering, but they weren't always at the forefront of adopting every new feature.
To confirm, you'd need to:
* Check the owner's manual: The most reliable way to know for sure is to consult the owner's manual for your specific year and model.
* Look at the transmission tag: The transmission itself might have a tag that lists its features, including overdrive.
* Research online: You could search for information on 1974 450 SEL models specifically to see if any documentation mentions overdrive.
It's more likely that the 1974 450 SEL 5.4L V8 automatic would have a 3-speed transmission without overdrive.
