Description
We are pleased to offer this 1983 Mercedes 500 SEL in Astral Silver with black leather interior. Originally registered in April 1983, the DVLA records only 2 former keepers with the first of which having owned the car for just over 35 years. We have the build cards which confirm that this was one heavily optioned Mercedes. Highlights include electrically adjustable seats front and rear, rear footrests, limited slip differential, curtains for the rear and rear side windows, orthopedic backrests for the front seats, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, sun visors with illuminated mirrors on both sides, air conditioning, front armrest, heat-insulating glass and reading lamps in the rear. The specification certainly suggests that this was bought for the wealthy owner to be chauffeured around in. It was supplied by Normand of Mayfair where it would appear to have been serviced until 1997. There are 13 stamps in the service book up to 1998 and, thereafter, there are invoices evidencing a further 5 services. The most recent service was in April 2025, when it also received 8 new spark plugs, 4 matching Nankang tyres, 2 front coil springs, a new OSF wheel bearing and NSF window motor. Our vendor has also spent a considerable amount of money over the last few years making sure the air conditioning works, including upgrading to the latest gas and fitting a new condenser. Air conditioning on classic cars seldom works as very few owners are prepared to spend significant sums on it, so this is a great indicator of how our vendor looks after his cars.
Externally, the big Mercedes presents well and, pleasingly, still sits on its original “Mexican Hat” alloys. The brightwork is very presentable with the chromed radiator surround being in great shape. However, it is the interior that really stands out and very much supports the low recorded mileage of 55, 600. The black leather seats still look plump and, save for a little patina to the driver’s seat bolster, appear to be free of any obvious marks or damage. The dash is similarly smart and the wood inlays are remarkably free from the usual cracking. A modern Bluetooth enabled stereo has been fitted but being a retro-designed Blaupunkt Madrid it doesn’t look at all out of place.
The Mercedes-Benz W126, produced from 1979 to 1991, was the second generation of the S-Class line and marked a significant evolution in luxury, safety, and engineering excellence. Designed by Bruno Sacco, the W126 introduced a sleeker, more aerodynamic profile compared to its predecessor, the W116, and emphasized fuel efficiency in response to the 1970s oil crises. It debuted with advanced safety features, including a strengthened passenger cell, crumple zones, and anti-lock braking systems (ABS), which became standard in later models. The lineup included a range of inline-six and V8 engines, offering both petrol and diesel variants. The long-wheelbase (SEL) versions provided added comfort for rear passengers, making the W126 a favourite among world leaders and executives. Over its 12-year production run, the W126 became the most successful S-Class to date, with nearly 900, 000 units sold, solidifying Mercedes-Benz’s reputation for building world-class luxury saloons. We believe that the original owner may well have been a diplomat and you can certainly imagine being a person of some importance in the back of this S-Class, relaxing in your electrically reclined rear seat, loafers on the footrest, cooled by the air-conditioning and curtains cocooning you from the world outside. When you put it like that, you can quite understand why the original owner kept the car for 35 years, apparently only selling it when he retired and returned to his home country. If you are looking for a top specification, well maintained, low mile, low ownership W126 this example is hard to ignore and, surely, can only increase in value over the long term.
The Mercedes comes with V5C, a bundle of MOTs, a bundle of invoices for parts and maintenance, full book pack, copies of old registration documents, build cards, some brochures, a hardback W126 book and spare keys.
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PLEASE NOTE: This car was recorded as a Category C Insurance Loss “vehicle extensively damaged but repairable - insurer decided not to repair” on 10th November 1998. However, the original owner clearly decided he would repair and took it to franchised dealer, Bradshaw Webb of Chelsea, where it was fully repaired with Mercedes parts. The 4 page invoice is available in the paperwork confirming the work done and evidencing the £7, 500 spent.
