Highlights
- MOT valid until April 2023
- Sleek Bruno Sacco pillarless coupé styling
- 245 horsepower V8 engine
The Appeal
The personal favourite of legendary Mercedes-Benz stylist Bruno Sacco, the C126 was arguably the great man’s most elegant design for the company.
With its flowing pillarless coupé lines and a punchy V8 under the bonnet, this 1988 500 SEC is presented in good condition overall. With SECs becoming an increasingly rare sight on today’s roads, we believe this to be an excellent candidate for some improvement work.
With an MOT extending into next year, this Mercedes would make a fabulous rolling restoration project, or the next owner could quite easily enjoy it as is. Whatever the future holds for this 500 SEC, this is a lovely car and undoubtedly one of the marque’s most beautiful designs.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered on the 1st August 1988, this 500 SEC began life in south west London
- Latterly, it resided in the Middlesex and Essex areas during the ‘90s before moving to Dorset in 2004
- Later acquired by a body shop specialist, who repainted it in the original black in 2017
- The car has since been off the road for a few years before being recommissioned by the current owner
- 22 stamps from Mercedes authorised garages, thereafter part specialist service history
- MOT until April 2023
- Not an AMG car, despite the boot badge
The Interior
- Believed to be largely original
- Black leather
The vendor believes the interior of this SEC to be largely original and they describe it as in fair condition for the car’s age. We think this to be a sound assessment and everything appears to be quite serviceable.
There are clearly a couple of new additions including an aftermarket stereo and the headrests have at some point been emblazoned with a Mercedes-Benz motif.
Otherwise, everything appears to be quite original and as you would expect, there is some wear evident on all the common touchpoints. The black leather seats are worn but in good order with no damage besides some creasing and small blemishes here and there.
The door cards appear free from significant wear or damage and the carpets are quite serviceable if a little sun bleached. The dash top is in fair condition although the veneer is delaminating in places and would benefit from refurbishment. The vendor informs us that the headlining is no longer supported properly and will need to be replaced.
We understand that the instrumentation cluster has seen some ingress of damp but is in good order generally. The boot is looking rather tired and so would benefit from some refurbishment.
The whole interior would benefit from a thorough clean and for a 34 year-old car, we think it has survived really rather well.
The Exterior
- Repainted in 2017
- OZ alloy wheels
- Tinted glass
While taste is of course subjective, we have to say that black really suits a 500 SEC. They are an undeniably beautiful car and a deep gloss black really shows this off.
We understand that this particular example was repainted in 2017 although some areas are now in need of attention once more. There is some localised bubbling and minor scratches around the edges of various panels and along seams.
To bring it to its best, we would recommend that this car requires a respray, although the condition of the bodywork in general is fairly presentable as is. The bodywork underneath is largely straight besides a small dent on the nearside front wing.
The iconic front grille has been cut at some point and the vendor believes this may have been for an air intake. The side trim, mirrors and glass are in satisfactory condition and we’re informed that a new windscreen was installed in 2017. The door handles and rear ribbed lights all appear to be quite serviceable.
A study of this Mercedes' MOT history reveals corrosion has been present in the past, although we understand that it has been rectified when necessary. A glance under the car reveals that some rust is evident in places, but the vendor reports that there is nothing severe, themselves having had welding carried out in order for the Mercedes to meet the requirements for its last MOT.
A previous owner has fitted a window tint and OZ alloys. The wheels have a fair amount of curb damage so would benefit from refurbishment or perhaps replacement. The vendor informs us that the tyres have a good quantity of tread remaining.
The Mechanics
- 5-litre V8
- Automatic gearbox
- Aftermarket exhaust
Under the bonnet, everything appears to be complete and largely original. A good clean would work wonders and make the engine appear quite presentable. The vendor does not report any oil leaks or smoke, stating that the car runs well and sounds good though an aftermarket exhaust system.
We were able to see some corrosion to the exhaust back box. The vendor tells us that the original item accompanies the car.
We understand that the SEC accelerates well through the gears and stops in a timely fashion, with no untoward noises or eccentricities to report.
Summary
Some cars are undeniably cool and this 500 SEC is just one of these examples that cannot fail to make you smile. With unequivocally tasteful styling and a powertrain renowned for its performance and robustness, this is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a true modern classic.
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