Highlights
- One of the last C126 coupes built before production ended
- Desirable 5,5L M117 300bhp V8 model
- Full respray in original Almandine Red Metallic in 2019
- Ex dealer demo car then in same family until vendor acquired car
- Recommissioned in 2019 including brakes, suspension, fuel pumps and tank restoration
- Recently displayed at Simply Mercedes at Beaulieu House
- Current MOT to December 2025
The Appeal
The C126 560SEC is peak Mercedes-Benz. Built during the firm’s engineering-led Imperial period, it was the range-topper that cost the same as a Rolls-Royce when it was new in the 1990s.
This handsome Almandine Red metallic example was one of the last off the production line. It was bought as an ex-demonstrator and stayed in the same family until the current keeper, a neighbour, acquired it in 2019. He set about recommissioning it, including attention to the brakes, suspension, fluids, fuel pumps and refurbishing the fuel tank.
It presents very well in photos thanks to a full respray in the original colour soon after purchase. The beige leather cabin is also well-kept. The interior shows only light wear to some fittings that would likely be easy to bring to the same standard as the exterior.
The 560SEC is very collectable amongst enthusiasts and yet remains highly usable thanks to the factory standards. This car comes to market with an MOT valid to December 2025, so it is ready to use and enjoy. The vendor has offered to put a new MOT on the car if required.
The vendor says:
“The car looks and drive superb in my view. Gets admiring glances and comments everywhere. I have personally done a few trips from Bedford to York without any issue. Just been to the New Forrest also. I would not hesitate to get in it and drive anywhere.
The 5.6 litre V8 is super smooth and very quiet. Restrained power when you need it. The car looks and drives great. As with any 33 year old car there will be things to do , however this is a perfectly useable classic car ready to go. The 560 is the one to have for any future investment opportunity ??
“A fresh MOT can be put on the car when sold if required.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered 14th January 1992
- Originally registered as a Mercedes-Benz demonstrator
- Then acquired by the father of the vendor's neighbour
- Passed to the neighbour following his father's death after approximately 10 years
- The neighbour owned the car for approximately 16 years before the current owner acquired it in 2019
- V5 logbook shows 8 former registered keepers
- Vendor states they are only the third actual driver
- Ownership transferred between various company titles and back to private ownership several times
- Acquired by the current keeper in September 2019
- Complete recommissioning undertaken after the vendor's purchase in 2018
- Original handbook present with the vehicle
- The previous owner has misplaced early service documents
- All paperwork from current ownership has been retained
- Fresh MOT can be arranged for the new owner if required
- Current MOT runs to 4th December 2025 with advisories to note
- 144,289 miles on MOT test and 145,128 miles showing in photos
- 2 set of keys
- V5C in the current keeper’s name
- Various old MOTs
- Garaged with cover when not in use by current keeper
The Condition
- Bodywork presents in very good condition as shown
- Full respray approximately 6 years ago in original colour
- Almandine Red Metallic paintwork retains a good shine
- Small dink in chrome on rear corner bumper
- Two very small bubble/blemishes on the offside front wing
- Small stone chip on left-hand leading edge of the bonnet
- ‘Gullideckel factory alloy wheels professionally refurbished
- Brand new correct-size Michelin tyres fitted
- Beige leather interior appears in good condition for its age
- Driver's seat shows expected wear but no rips or tears
- Rear seats in very good condition, having rarely been used
- Electric memory seats and heating function both operational
- Wood trim around gear lever has some cracks
- Headliner starting to come away at both top rear corners
- All four windows and the sunroof operate correctly
- Both seat belt butlers function as designed
- Rear sunblind is non-operational
- Only one tone of the two-tone horn works
- Cruise control is non-operational
- Cassette element of the Becker radio is intermittent
- Electric aerial works correctly
- Air conditioning requires a new belt and possibly regassing
- Spare wheel and tools as shown
The Mechanics
- 5,547cc ‘5.6-litre’ 300bhp M117 V8 engine
- 4spd 4G-TRONIC Automatic transmission
- Engine described as smooth, quiet and powerful by seller
- Engine starts first time since recommissioning and new Mercedes battery, we are told
- Reliable starting even after 3-4 weeks of non-use according to the seller
- Hydraulic rear suspension has been disabled and replaced with springs
- New brakes, hoses and fluids installed during recommissioning in 2019
- Various suspension components replaced at the same time
- Pair of new fuel pumps fitted six years ago
- Fuel tank removed, blasted, cleaned and resealed at the same time
- Engine oil and filter changed annually regardless of mileage during current ownership
- The vendor reports the car drives well and has completed several long journeys without issue
- Advisories to note on current MOT
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.































































































































































































