Highlights
- Low documented mileage of 106,700 miles
- Classic Arctic White with grey leather interior
- Same family ownership until vendor acquired car in 2016
- Large history file with regular specialist maintenance
- Long list of recent work detailed below
- Tidy and usable C126 with scope to improve
- Ultra reliable M116 V8 engine
The Appeal
At the distance of four decades, it seems hard to imagine that Mercedes ever built a car like the C126, one seemingly designed and engineered without a single thought as to profit or economic return. And yet, the firm did, giving deep-pocketed buyers one of the greatest grand tourers ever built, and one built to last forever.
The 420SEC offers decent performance and a V8 soundtrack, but real-world economy compared to the bigger-engined alternatives. This one was originally supplied to the Channel Islands before arriving in the Netherlands in the Noughties. At 106,700 miles that M116 engine is barely run in. Finished in Arctic White with matching ‘Sacco Planks,’ a set of ‘Gullideckel’ alloys and smart grey leather cabin with walnut trim, it is a tidy and nicely specified car with scope for the buyer to make it better.
The car has been off the road for some years, so would benefit from some checks and perhaps a service. Once done, the buyer gets a supremely rewarding mega mile muncher.
The vendor says:
“The Mercedes-Benz W126 SEC has earned its place among the finest grand touring cars ever built. Finding one with original Guernsey provenance, a continuous maintenance history, original stamped service books, a substantial file of invoices, and careful long-term ownership is becoming increasingly rare.
This is not simply another classic Mercedes. It is a beautifully documented example that has been cherished throughout its life, driven sparingly, always stored indoors, and maintained regardless of cost. If you are looking for an honest, exceptionally well-documented 420 SEC (W126) that is ready to be enjoyed immediately, I believe you will struggle to find a better example.”
Key Information
- Mileage:106,700 miles indicated
- Country of registration: Netherlands
- Technical inspection status: expired
- Technical specs: 230bhp M116 4,196cc V8, 4spd automatic
- Paperwork: service book, handbooks, wallet, quantity of invoices, history technical inspection certificates
History file:
* Original Mercedes-Benz owner’s wallet
* Original stamped Mercedes-Benz service books from Guernsey
* Original manuals
* Extensive maintenance invoices
* Dutch MOT inspection reports
* Mercedes-Benz dealer invoices
* Specialist Mercedes workshop invoices
* Records covering decades of ownership
Summary of maintenance provided by seller:
* Major Mercedes-Benz dealer servicing
* Automatic transmission oil and filter service
* Engine oil and filter services
* Spark plug replacement
* Auxiliary drive belts replaced
* Brake fluid replacement
* Front brake overhaul
* Rear brake overhaul
* New brake discs
* New brake pads
* Replacement brake hoses
* Camshaft replacement
* Replacement rocker arms
* Valve cover gasket replacement
* Steering damper replacement
* Suspension component renewal
* Air-conditioning compressor overhaul
* Air-conditioning condenser replacement
* Receiver-drier replacement
* Air-conditioning servicing and recharging
* Exhaust repairs and replacement sections
* Cooling-system maintenance
* Electrical repairs
* Alarm and remote-control repairs
* Interior trim repairs
* Headlining repairs
* Professional paint correction
* Professional detailing
* Annual inspections
* Dutch MOT inspections
The Detail
- Arctic White paintwork in fair condition for age with some areas to note in photos
- These include chips and a touched-in area to leading edge of bonnet
- Some bubbling to panels such as below rear screen, on arches and on boot lid
- Some chips and marks to body kit as shown
- ‘Gullideckel’ alloys in fair condition with some kerbing to note
- Grey leather interior in good order with walnut veneers
- Some age to cabin typical of a car of this age and mileage
- Light sagging to headlining as shown
- Fitted with aftermarket JVC stereo
- Long list of maintenance as detailed above
- Professional paint correction and detailing carried out
- Vendor states V8 starts immediately, idles smoothly, and runs well
- We are told that the automatic transmission shifts as it should
- Vendor describes exterior panel fit as remaining very good, with doors closing solidly
- Vendor notes minor age-related imperfections may be present upon close inspection
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.
