Highlights

Excellent servicing records
Three owners from new
In previous ownership for 24 years
Beautifully presented inside and out

The Appeal

As classic vintage luxury cars go, the W126 series of S-Class must rate as one of the best options for those seeking luxury, durability and some old-school cool. Lauded as the best saloon in the world when first seen in 1979, Mercedes' reputation as the builder of quality cars was at its peak. As it diligently served as the flagship model for the brand throughout the 1980s, Mercedes continually kept on top of development, culminating in the phase two models in 1985.

Kitted with a new series of engines, redesigned suspension and a facelift utilising a smart two-tone finish, the S-Class stayed on top of its game, even towards the end of its life. Among the new models rolled out for its second phase was the 300 SE. Offered with fuel-saving and better emissions with no significant loss of power, the entry-level 300 SE still benefited from the numerous safety, equipment and comfort aspects that helped the car become a best seller. Free from the more expensive features that were fitted on the bigger engined versions, the 300 SE comes into its own as a classic that offers taste of 80s decadence.

This 1991 automatic 300 SE in Almandine Red and a beige leather interior is one of the last models to be produced. It has been well looked at throughout its life, having only seen 3 previous keepers who have also gifted it with regular servicing throughout its life. Along with 19 stamps in its service book, the most recent one carried out around 1000 miles ago, it also comes with an MOT to July 2024.

The History and Paperwork

First registered by Normand Mercedes of Mayfair in August 1991
Just three previous keepers from new
Valid MOT to July 2024
19 Service Stamps
Last serviced around 1000 miles ago
22 previous MOTs dating back to 1994
It retains all of its original handbooks and user manual
V5c present
Several historical maintenance receipts
Retained by its last keeper for 24 years and comes with its 1999 sales invoice from a Mercedes main dealer

The Interior

Well-presented leather beige and veneer interior
Door cards intact
Carpets and mats are presentable and all free of damp
Age-related wear on the driver's seat but all free from damage
The dashboard and centre console are in very good condition, with intact veneer and plastics
Dials and controls in good condition
All said to function, aircon fitted but may need a refill
Sunroof and electric windows functional
The headlining is intact
The steering wheel and gear lever are in decent shape
Additional mats supplied
The boot appears to have been only lightly used with no signs of water ingress
The door seals all look good

The Exterior

The engine bay, boot floor, chassis rail, floor pan and inner wings are solid
The panel fit is flush with even shut line gaps throughout
Doors open and close with ease
Door apertures in good shape with good rubbers
The metalwork appears to be free from any significant damage
Mild signs of corrosion were noted on the nearside front wing
Slight corrosion was noted inside the offside rear door
Attractive two-tone Almandine Red is in excellent condition, with a very good lustre
A handful of minor paint marks were noted in places
Bumpers well fitted
The front bumper has minor marks and its chrome bumper inserts need attention
The front screen has minor signs of lamination damage but otherwise, all is in line with the age of the car
Chrome trim in good shape
Lower trim panels are well attached and free of significant marks
Lights and lenses all intact, rear nearside lens slightly discoloured

The Mechanics

3.0-litre inline-six Fuel injection petrol engine
4-speed automatic gearbox
Engine very tidily presented
The car fires up with no hesitation with no signs of excess exhaust smoke
Idles very smoothly with no undulations
Said to drive beautifully with no significant issues in terms of steering or ride
No signs of fluid leaks on the day
Exhaust and suspension components appear to be intact

Summary

Its reputation for durability and quality goes some way into recommending the W126 as a genuinely useable classic today. Comfortable, roomy and packed full of safety, comfort and mechanical features, these finely balanced cars can easily take on the role of a daily driver.

Condition and mechanical attention is always the key for older cars, so rest assured that this appears to be this car's strong point. Evidently cared for by its previous 3 owners, there’s plenty of evidence to support that there’s plenty of life left in this example.

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