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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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. 

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.

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