NO RESERVE - 1986 Mercedes 560 SEC Auto
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
Highlights
- Unrestored 80s Icon
- Fabulous pillar-less profile
- Structurally sound
- Big 5.5 litre capacity V8 engine
- Pedantic records by the last owner
The Appeal
Here’s one of those Iconic 80s cars that needs a helping hand. Built at a time of exuberance with Stock Brokers, red braces and shoulder pads a plenty, this big Merc oozed success and literally muscled its way to the top of many an Estate Agent’s want list.
This one needs a little help to relive those halcyon days of plenty, particularly in regards to the bodywork. Structurally sound and with a fresh MOT, this leviathan will make an excellent project in the right hands that will culminate into a truly fabulous car that is, unfortunately, becoming rarer.
The History and Paperwork
- Copious amount of invoices
- Owner’s handwritten history
- Original service book and continuation book
- Valid V5C
- Freshly Mot’d
There is a long service history dating back to the car’s early ownership with many dealer stamps followed by other garages in the original service book and second continuation book. There are also plenty of old MOT certificates and invoices. The car travelled regularly to Spain but returned to the UK for servicing.
There is also a handwritten account of the car’s most recent history from the last owner. In this book can be found information on work undertaken, items purchased and impact on annual costs. This is a real insight into the life of the car. There is a fresh MOT complete with information on remedial work required to get the pass.
There is also a handwritten account of the car’s most recent history from the last owner. In this book can be found information on work undertaken, items purchased and impact on annual costs. This is a real insight into the life of the car. There is a fresh MOT complete with information on remedial work required to get the pass.
The Interior
- Original leather interior
- Working power seats
- Early stereo in situ
- Functioning instrumentation
- Fully working electric sunroof
The interior of a 560 SEC is spacious as you’d expect. Full leather seating with power controls for the front occupants. The driver’s seat has received the most wear and tear as you’d expect and has some obvious damage to the bolster.
The rest of the interior has worn well and just shows some general scuffs and stains, much of which would valet away. The dashboard has the smallest of cracks on the driver’s side which considering the fact that the car spent much of its time in Spain, could be a lot worse. The passenger side electric window is currently inoperable.
The electric sunroof works perfectly well and the headlining, which can sag on these models, appears tight and fits well.
The rest of the interior has worn well and just shows some general scuffs and stains, much of which would valet away. The dashboard has the smallest of cracks on the driver’s side which considering the fact that the car spent much of its time in Spain, could be a lot worse. The passenger side electric window is currently inoperable.
The electric sunroof works perfectly well and the headlining, which can sag on these models, appears tight and fits well.
The Exterior
- Structurally sound
- Age-related corrosion and paint defects
- Original Mercedes wheels
Most of the work required to bring this SEC back to its prime condition is in the bodywork. Age-related corrosion has been able to take hold in all the usual places and there isn’t a panel that has escaped some requirement of remedial work, whether it be rust, damage or lacquer peel. The car has had some previous paintwork, particularly on the boot lid where there is an obvious reaction. In short, the body is the key issue.
The original wheels are in fairly good condition but would benefit from a refurb. Some welding was required to some suspension points which had been identified at the Mot. This is now done and gives some peace of mind that the basic structure of the car is sound.
The original wheels are in fairly good condition but would benefit from a refurb. Some welding was required to some suspension points which had been identified at the Mot. This is now done and gives some peace of mind that the basic structure of the car is sound.
The Mechanics
- Regularly serviced 5.5 litre V8
- Excellent history with an extensive paper trail
- Used on intercontinental journeys
The large capacity V8 has propelled this car on many a long-haul trip to Spain allowing it to cruise at optimum RPM for many miles ensuring a stress-free life for the engine. The mileage is not high for this breed of car and a good service record will inspire confidence that it will continue to cover many more.
The maintenance record is very good and there is a list of components and work undertaken, particularly as the car has gotten older.
The maintenance record is very good and there is a list of components and work undertaken, particularly as the car has gotten older.
Summary
In short, this car needs quite a bit of work to get it back to where it needs to be, but it is a car well worth saving. It comes from the era of excess when big cars with big engines matched the big hair and big mobile telephones of the 80s.
There is no doubt that this is an emerging classic and one that is already a rare sight. It has solid underpinnings and that lusty lazy V8 and has been used for exactly what it was designed for, intercontinental travel.
The owner has a home in Spain and would make several trips back to the UK in this car. It has only been permanently in the UK since March 2022. Those long lazy trips are ideal for engine preservation and by all accounts covered the last trip home with ultimate ease.
There is no doubt that this is an emerging classic and one that is already a rare sight. It has solid underpinnings and that lusty lazy V8 and has been used for exactly what it was designed for, intercontinental travel.
The owner has a home in Spain and would make several trips back to the UK in this car. It has only been permanently in the UK since March 2022. Those long lazy trips are ideal for engine preservation and by all accounts covered the last trip home with ultimate ease.
Of course, there is a lot that needs to be done to that body, but in the right hands, this car could provide a significant return on any time invested in it. Besides, if nothing else, think of those glorious days you could have cruising along with the windows down accompanied by that sensational V8 soundtrack.
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.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. 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 1986
- Make Mercedes
- Model 560 SEC
- Colour Silver
- Odometer 164,235 Miles
- Engine size 5547
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Bollington
- Location Cheshire
- Country United Kingdom
68
bids
- ha•••• £6,800 29/08/22
- pa•••• £6,700 29/08/22
- ha•••• £6,600 29/08/22
- mi•••• £6,500 29/08/22
- ha•••• £6,400 29/08/22
- mi•••• £6,300 29/08/22
- ha•••• £6,200 29/08/22
- mi•••• £6,100 29/08/22
- ha•••• £6,000 29/08/22
- mi•••• £5,900 29/08/22
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.