1988 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL W126
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***Images supplied by vendor***
Highlights
- Owned by one family from new
- Regularly serviced
- As original as they come
- Driven sparingly
The Appeal
If like us, you would like to know how a brand new Mercedes S Class drove in 1988, then this is the car for you.
Seldom does one encounter such an original vehicle as this 300 SEL. We are informed that it still wears its original coat of Diamond Blue Metallic paint, and this elegant Mercedes looks to be as impressive now as the day it was delivered to its original owner.
Seldom does one encounter such an original vehicle as this 300 SEL. We are informed that it still wears its original coat of Diamond Blue Metallic paint, and this elegant Mercedes looks to be as impressive now as the day it was delivered to its original owner.
The remarkable condition of this W126 is testament not only to the way it has been cherished, but also the impeccable build quality of Mercedes of the era. The W126 incorporated some landmark technological innovations including ABS brakes, seatbelt pre-tensioners and crumple zones.
But the elegance and simplicity of the design was such that the car feels less dated today than many of its newer counterparts.
But the elegance and simplicity of the design was such that the car feels less dated today than many of its newer counterparts.
The History and Paperwork
- Owned by one family from new
- Full history supplied with car
- Every mile accounted for
- MOT until January 2023
While the original 69,000 miles demonstrates this Mercedes has been driven very sparingly, it certainly hasn’t suffered from neglect.
Indeed, the vendor informs us that original owner used the car primarily to drive to and from a golf course in Spain during the colder months, thus accruing the added benefit of avoiding the damp British winters as well.
Indeed, the vendor informs us that original owner used the car primarily to drive to and from a golf course in Spain during the colder months, thus accruing the added benefit of avoiding the damp British winters as well.
Evidence of this car’s Spanish adventures are also manifest in the several “GB” badges and boot sticker, which we think really add to the vehicle's history.
We are informed that the original owner passed the car on to a family member who stretched the 300 SEL’s legs about once a month.
Now the car is looking for a new home, to be enjoyed and, we hope, looked after as meticulously as by it first custodians.
Now the car is looking for a new home, to be enjoyed and, we hope, looked after as meticulously as by it first custodians.
The Interior
- Tasteful Zebrano finish
- Typical Mercedes quality
- Lovely place to be
- Original accessories remain in place
The condition of the interior belies the fact that this Mercedes is now 34 years old.
The Zebrano wood inlay and cappings are quintessential of the marque and remind the occupants that this Mercedes was the last word in luxury and comfort. The seats too, present ever so well in their original Mercedes Checker fabric.
The Zebrano wood inlay and cappings are quintessential of the marque and remind the occupants that this Mercedes was the last word in luxury and comfort. The seats too, present ever so well in their original Mercedes Checker fabric.
This 300 SEL also retains its original accessories, including the first aid kit, spare wheel and tools. The 1990s mobile phone holder is a period addition that backs up the car’s credentials as an executive office on wheels.
As the long wheelbase model, this W126 is equally delightful to travel in whether in the front or the rear and the original sunroof is a welcome addition.
Equally, the large boot appears in excellent condition, like the rest of the car it retains its original carpeting.
Equally, the large boot appears in excellent condition, like the rest of the car it retains its original carpeting.
The Exterior
- Original paint
- Excellent condition
- Still a fantastic looking car
The vendor states that the Mercedes lived indoors for much of its life and commensurately the exterior appears in wonderful condition.
The Diamond Blue Metallic paintwork presents well and the vendor informs us that it retains its lustrous gleam. There is a small amount of localised bubbling on the front arches, however the paint appears to be otherwise very good.
The Diamond Blue Metallic paintwork presents well and the vendor informs us that it retains its lustrous gleam. There is a small amount of localised bubbling on the front arches, however the paint appears to be otherwise very good.
The exterior brightwork lives up to Mercedes’ reputation for quality and longevity.
The vendor reports that the wheels are in excellent condition and the chrome, which was used in abundance on the W126, looks to be bright and in good condition.
The vendor reports that the wheels are in excellent condition and the chrome, which was used in abundance on the W126, looks to be bright and in good condition.
The Mechanics
- 3.0-litre M103 engine
- Clean and tidy under the bonnet
- Fantastic cruiser
Mechanically, Mercedes of this era are extremely rugged. The fact that this example has covered 69,000 miles means that it is little more than run in.
Fitted with the M103 SOHC 3.0-litre, straight-six engine, the W126 was the comfortable cruiser of the Mercedes range.
Nevertheless, this Mercedes easily keeps pace with modern traffic and that torquey straight-six, coupled to an automatic gearbox, provides a civilised “wafting” experience that is sadly lacking in many modern cars.
Nevertheless, this Mercedes easily keeps pace with modern traffic and that torquey straight-six, coupled to an automatic gearbox, provides a civilised “wafting” experience that is sadly lacking in many modern cars.
Summary
Here we have a great opportunity to acquire a wonderfully original and well preserved car from the golden era of Mercedes-Benz quality and longevity.
Few cars are as mechanically robust as the W126, resulting in most survivors having covered astronomic mileages.
It’s clear that this prime piece of Mercedes metal has many years of service ahead of it.
Few cars are as mechanically robust as the W126, resulting in most survivors having covered astronomic mileages.
It’s clear that this prime piece of Mercedes metal has many years of service ahead of it.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller’s discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1988
- Make Mercedes
- Model 300SEL W126
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 69,292 Miles
- Engine size 2962
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Northampton
- Location Northamptonshire
- Country United Kingdom
12
bids
from 5
bidders
- ja•••• £6,900 26/07/22
- ge•••• £6,800 26/07/22
- be•••• £6,700 25/07/22
- be•••• £6,600 21/07/22
- xx•••• £6,500 21/07/22
- be•••• £6,000 20/07/22
- ge•••• £5,000 19/07/22
- be•••• £4,000 19/07/22
- ge•••• £3,000 19/07/22
- be•••• £2,000 19/07/22
The Gallery
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