Description
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
1981 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL
No Reserve
Registration No: AGJ 999W
Chassis No: WDBthe details below
MOT: Exempt
Lovingly kept between the ownership of just two families before purchased by the vendor in 2015
Just 91, 500 from new on the odometer
Original book pack including main dealer stamped service book and owner’s manual
Finished in Golden Sand paintwork with rare Red leather interior upholstery
Range topping model when new!
Introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1979, the new W126 S-class was a quantifiable improvement over its W116 predecessor. Lauded by the contemporary motoring press as the 'best car in the world' Car and Driver said 'Its effect is almost druglike, and anyone who appreciates fine automobiles will want one fix after another.' (Car and Driver July 1987). It was lighter than its forebear and offered an improved ride and sharper handling. Styled by Bruno Sacco, its sleek silhouette hid all-round independent suspension, disc brakes, power-assisted steering and a range of powerful all-alloy V8 engines (later supplemented by more fuel-efficient straight-sixes). Beloved by heads of state, captains of industry and celebrities alike, the W126 remains sought after to this day thanks to its impeccable build quality and timeless lines. The 500 SEL was the range-topping example until the introduction of the 560 SEL in 1985. The V8 engined 500 had double timing chains, proving much more reliable than the 380 V8s single.
‘AGT 999W’ was manufactured in 1981 and supplied new to the United Kingdom being road registered on the 4th of June that year. A range-topping 500SEL when new, it was finished from the factory in Golden Sand paintwork with contrasting and rare Red leather interior upholstery, and was specified from new with automatic climate control, cruise control, semi-active roll stabilisation, off-road package, undershields, rear back rest adjustments and head restraints, heated rear window, and green tinted glass. Retained in the ownership of just two families until purchased by the vendor in 2015, at this time the Mercedes had covered 78, 000 miles. Well used by the vendor over the following ten years, the SEL is offered now having covered just 91, 500 miles from new. Supplied with the original book pack with stamped service book illustrating numerous stamps by Hughes of Beaconsfield, the SEL is understood to be highly original vehicle and is accompanied by the original tool kit, and is temptingly offered without reserve!
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
