1989 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL (W126 Series 2)
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Highlights
- Family owned since 1999
- Just 97,798 miles
- Highly original and unmodified
- MOT to July 2023
The Appeal
When it comes to elegant luxury, nothing quite compares to a big Mercedes-Benz saloon. And when considering modern classics, the best of these has to be the W126. Seriously over-engineered, with the kind of quality usually reserved for the Orient Express, these 80s limousines are still a highly prized and truly wonderful way to waft around in style. Only 33,000 of the long wheel base series 2 (1989-1991) were made.
This example is replete in a great colour scheme – silver over dark blue. With careful single family ownership, well below average miles and that excellent 5-litre V8, this suave old saloon simply has to be considered.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in March 1989 and used as a chauffeur-driven car
- Four owners from new, with the last three being from the same family
- Purchased by the vendor’s father in 1999
- Purchased in June 2022 by the vendor as their father was no longer able to drive it
- Only being sold as they are moving overseas
- Used rarely and almost always garaged since 1999
- Presented in unrestored, original condition
- Excellent MOT history
- Current MOT to 14th July 2023
- Complete with a number of old MOTs and some invoices back to 1999
- Less than 7,000 miles covered since June 2013
- Current mileage 97,798, verified by MOT history
- Original handbooks present and correct
The Interior
- Deep blue leather upholstery, with matched vinyl to the dash and door cards
- The upholstery appears to be in excellent condition for the age, with some wear to the driver’s seat, commensurate with age and use
- Wood veneers on the doors and dashboard – all look to be in good order, with no cracking or delamination we could see
- Blue carpets and matching overmats present in reasonably good condition, with no significant damage to note
- Heated seats front and rear
- Electric front seats, 2-memory functions on the driver’s side
- Electric headrests
- Fully working panoramic electric sunroof
- Electric windows and door mirrors
- Modern Pioneer CD/Radio unit with USB port
- Passenger seat reading lights
- Cruise control
- Switchgear and gauges present well, with legible dials and light signs of use
- Boot is in fine condition, with a clean, solid floor, spare wheel and toolkit
- The vendor reports that, apart from the air-conditioning, everything is functioning as it should
The Exterior
- Silver metallic paintwork looks to be in good order, with a few minor blemishes and scratches, as would be expected
- The bodywork and trim all appears to be neatly fitted and well preserved, with neat panel gaps and no evidence of notable corrosion or damage
- There are some minor scuffs to the bumper corners and off-side mirror, a small amount of bubbling around the off-side wing repeater and some minor signs of corrosion to the inner off-side door and the near-side rear around the lamp unit
- All of the glass elements and the light lenses are clean, clear and undamaged
- Headlamp wipers
- Underneath looks straight and undamaged, with some surface corrosion to drivetrain elements
- The wheels were refurbished and powder-coated in June 2022, so present in excellent condition, with tyres that look to have good tread
The Mechanics
- 4,973cc naturally aspirated V8
- The engine bay appears tidy
- 4-speed automatic transmission
- Power steering
- In June 2022, the vendor tells us they had the car serviced and had new front lower ball joint covers fitted, as well as a new water pump
- Apparently there is a little smoke on turnover, but it soon dissipates and the car idles very smoothly
- We’re informed by the vendor that the car drives very well, braking straight and with amazing cruising ability
Summary
If you want a modern classic luxury saloon, look no further. The W126 is one of the finest cars Mercedes-Benz has ever made, which makes it one of the finest cars ever made, period.
Refined, powerful, elegant and very well specified, we think this is a real gem of a machine.
Refined, powerful, elegant and very well specified, we think this is a real gem of a machine.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1989
- Make Mercedes
- Model 500 SEL (W126)
- Colour Silver
- Odometer 97,798 Miles
- Engine size 4973
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Bury
- Location Lancashire
- Country United Kingdom
33
bids
- go•••• £8,400 27/11/22
- Ma•••• £8,300 27/11/22
- go•••• £8,200 27/11/22
- Ma•••• £8,100 27/11/22
- Ma•••• £8,000 28/11/22
- go•••• £8,000 27/11/22
- Ma•••• £7,900 27/11/22
- go•••• £7,800 27/11/22
- Ma•••• £7,700 27/11/22
- go•••• £7,600 27/11/22
The Gallery
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| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
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