Description
Even the most beautiful stories sometimes have an ending…
A passionate private collector, well known on social media for several of his cars that have appeared in the automotive press and on the web (see POA CLK55 AMG, Jeep Wrangler TJ 4. 0, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Dodge Challenger SRT 8, Cadillac De Ville 1978, etc., etc…) sells:
Probably one of the (the?) most beautiful 500 SEC “Series 1” cars in France, fully restored, with a complete history from zero miles (unfindable…) and a concours-condition level:
-Originally sold new by Mercedes Bochum to Hermann F (deceased in 2013; he took his Mercedes to his vacation home in Spain where it spent the rest of its life until my purchase in 2013 in Granollers/ Barcelona with around 180k km at the time – 184k km today)
VIN WDB1260441A085653
Model 500 SEC
Engine 117963 12 054603
Gearbox 722311 02 527550
Production number 4443201
Order number 0 2 362 00936
Order location LUEG, BOCHUM
Interior Leather - Blue (252)
Paint Astral Silver - Metallic paint (735U)
Build date 1984-07
Codes Description
256 Front axle with autolocking differential
260 Hood monogram removed on rear hood
444 Tempomat (cruise control) and airbag
470 ABS
504 Right exterior mirror electrically adjustable (driving on left)
510 MB Becker K7 radio Mexico
531 Automatic-control antenna
543 Sun visor with courtesy mirror illuminated on left and right
580 Air conditioning
611 Interior access lighting for front and rear doors
640 Lightweight alloy wheels, 15‑inch
673 Higher-capacity battery
682 Fire extinguisher
873 Front seat heater (left and right)
-Beautiful combination, understated and chic Astral Silver 735, blue leather 252, Barock/ Fuchs 14 wheels on Vredestein Sprint Classic 205/ 70 VR14
-Original mileage 184, 000 km certified
-French registration document normal
-New spare wheel never used, with its exceptional period Michelin XDX
-Toolkit and first-aid kit original
-Complete book, invoices and documentation from day one
-All keys
-Complete history from zero miles (!), over 30k in invoices, including 5k in 05/ 2026
-Exterior/ Interior/ sill trims/ chassis/ rolling gear/ accessories/ suspension… immaculate condition.
-Economical to maintain with passion, no expense spared.
Difficult to detail all, but:
- revised K-Jet injection
- steering rack restored
- Seats reupholstered
- 4 wheels repainted
- Tempomat unit restored (but the stalk recently failed, will be repaired before sale)
- Air conditioning converted and functional
- Brakes (master cylinder, ABS sensors, ABS unit…), running gear, ignition, starter, alternator, belts, cooling, exhaust, hub, guibo, gearbox mount, steering damper, etc., etc.
- Roof lining refurbished, new Hirschmann antenna, engine insulation, driver belt anchor repaired, etc., etc…
- Bodywork refurbished, polished, no rust on or underneath…
- The list of works carried out over time is substantial…
- All accessories are operational.
-All previous MOTs clean (no advisories) (!).
In short,
An early Series 1 SEC in a condition almost as original, probably unique in France (perhaps Europe?) in this state and with its full history.
Appeared in Auto-Retro in November 2013, and more recently in Petite Observations Automobiles - POA with Patrice V.
No faults, unmatched.
Runs absolutely at all distances.
Visible in Bassin d’Arcachon.
Firm, justified and non-negotiable price: 31, 990€, available in about one month.
Yes, the price is close to that of many 560 Secs on sale, except that a 560 in the same condition would fetch well over 35–40k…
The W126s were already complex cars when new. Now aged over 40, they are becoming increasingly rare to find in very good condition, and the craftsmen able to look after them are rarer still.
For a passionate and discerning enthusiast.
Contact by email.
PS: since some photos, an upgrade has been made with the fitting of front bumper washers (now absolutely unobtainable according to the president of the Mercedes Club of France), the wooden automatic gear lever has been replaced with an original, and the tailgate monogram has been repositioned correctly.
