Highlights

One of the last C126 coupes built before production ended
Desirable 5,5L M117 300bhp V8 model
Full respray in original Almandine Red Metallic in 2019
Ex dealer demo car then in same family until vendor acquired car
Recommissioned in 2019 including brakes, suspension, fuel pumps and tank restoration
Recently displayed at Simply Mercedes at Beaulieu House
Current MOT to December 2025

The Appeal

The C126 560SEC is peak Mercedes-Benz. Built during the firm’s engineering-led Imperial period, it was the range-topper that cost the same as a Rolls-Royce when it was new in the 1990s.

This handsome Almandine Red metallic example was one of the last off the production line. It was bought as an ex-demonstrator and stayed in the same family until the current keeper, a neighbour, acquired it in 2019. He set about recommissioning it, including attention to the brakes, suspension, fluids, fuel pumps and refurbishing the fuel tank.

It presents very well in photos thanks to a full respray in the original colour soon after purchase. The beige leather cabin is also well-kept. The interior shows only light wear to some fittings that would likely be easy to bring to the same standard as the exterior.

The 560SEC is very collectable amongst enthusiasts and yet remains highly usable thanks to the factory standards. This car comes to market with an MOT valid to December 2025, so it is ready to use and enjoy. The vendor has offered to put a new MOT on the car if required.

The vendor says:

“The car looks and drive superb in my view. Gets admiring glances and comments everywhere. I have personally done a few trips from Bedford to York without any issue. Just been to the New Forrest also. I would not hesitate to get in it and drive anywhere.

The 5.6 litre V8 is super smooth and very quiet. Restrained power when you need it. The car looks and drives great. As with any 33 year old car there will be things to do , however this is a perfectly useable classic car ready to go. The 560 is the one to have for any future investment opportunity ??

“A fresh MOT can be put on the car when sold if required.”

History and Paperwork

First registered 14th January 1992
Originally registered as a Mercedes-Benz demonstrator
Then acquired by the father of the vendor's neighbour
Passed to the neighbour following his father's death after approximately 10 years
The neighbour owned the car for approximately 16 years before the current owner acquired it in 2019
V5 logbook shows 8 former registered keepers
Vendor states they are only the third actual driver
Ownership transferred between various company titles and back to private ownership several times
Acquired by the current keeper in September 2019
Complete recommissioning undertaken after the vendor's purchase in 2018
Original handbook present with the vehicle
The previous owner has misplaced early service documents
All paperwork from current ownership has been retained
Fresh MOT can be arranged for the new owner if required
Current MOT runs to 4th December 2025 with advisories to note
144,289 miles on MOT test and 145,128 miles showing in photos
2 set of keys
V5C in the current keeper’s name
Various old MOTs
Garaged with cover when not in use by current keeper

The Condition

Bodywork presents in very good condition as shown
Full respray approximately 6 years ago in original colour
Almandine Red Metallic paintwork retains a good shine
Small dink in chrome on rear corner bumper
Two very small bubble/blemishes on the offside front wing
Small stone chip on left-hand leading edge of the bonnet
‘Gullideckel factory alloy wheels professionally refurbished
Brand new correct-size Michelin tyres fitted
Beige leather interior appears in good condition for its age
Driver's seat shows expected wear but no rips or tears
Rear seats in very good condition, having rarely been used
Electric memory seats and heating function both operational
Wood trim around gear lever has some cracks
Headliner starting to come away at both top rear corners
All four windows and the sunroof operate correctly
Both seat belt butlers function as designed
Rear sunblind is non-operational
Only one tone of the two-tone horn works
Cruise control is non-operational
Cassette element of the Becker radio is intermittent
Electric aerial works correctly
Air conditioning requires a new belt and possibly regassing
Spare wheel and tools as shown

The Mechanics

5,547cc ‘5.6-litre’ 300bhp M117 V8 engine
4spd 4G-TRONIC Automatic transmission
Engine described as smooth, quiet and powerful by seller
Engine starts first time since recommissioning and new Mercedes battery, we are told
Reliable starting even after 3-4 weeks of non-use according to the seller
Hydraulic rear suspension has been disabled and replaced with springs
New brakes, hoses and fluids installed during recommissioning in 2019
Various suspension components replaced at the same time
Pair of new fuel pumps fitted six years ago
Fuel tank removed, blasted, cleaned and resealed at the same time
Engine oil and filter changed annually regardless of mileage during current ownership
The vendor reports the car drives well and has completed several long journeys without issue
Advisories to note on current MOT

BEFORE YOU BUY

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