What have James Hunt, Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna got in common?
The obvious answer, of course, is that they were all Formula One drivers but, in addition to that, the three of them all owned the same type of road car. That car was the Mercedes-Benz SEC, or C126 to give it its code name.
In the 1980s, nothing came close to the SEC for its combination of performance and luxury, making it a highly desirable status symbol that was one of the most cherished cars of the decade that gave us shoulder pads, yuppies, Dallas and Dynasty. It was devilishly handosme and equally quick – especially in flagship V8-powered 560 SEC form.
Today, the C126 is a still-classy reminder of those upwardly mobile days and comes from an era of Mercedes-Benz history that’s rapidly gaining in popularity. This one is even more upmarket than most, having been treated to some extras courtesy of Carat-Duchatelet, a renowned Belgian Mercedes-Benz specialist known for its luxury upgrades. The car spent much of its early life in Cyprus so is a genuine right-hand-drive model, imported here in 1996.
The 500SEC has a fair amount of history and is presented in smart overall condition.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
All original books and handbooks
Odometer reading is incorrect – MOT records show a replacement used odometer between 157,225 KM in 2012 and a replacement odometer showing 97,631 miles in 2014.
Imported from Cyprus in 1996 – four UK keepers
Original Cypriot export documentation
Supplied new by Mercedes-Benz main agent in Nicosia in March 1989
Very good seats showing minor wear to driver’s side seat bolster
Excellent carpets and door trims
Headlining in fair condition but starting to detach around sunroof surround
Electric windows and roof
Air conditioning
Power steering
Walnut dash trim
Becker Mexico radio-cassette
Brown dash and door trim with bespoke ruched leather inserts
Electrically adjustable seats
Original spare wheel, jack and tool roll
THE EXTERIOR
Rare Impala Brown Metallic
Bodywork in good order, with a few minor marks and paint defects commensurate with age
Previously welded repairs to rear floors, carried out to a high standard
Some surface ruts to underside components (see images)
Carat-Duchatelet branded body kit with lowered front and rear bumpers and side skirts
Bespoke cross-spoke alloy wheels in generally good condition, but two whjeels have centre caps absent
Carat-Duchatelet boot lid badge
Some microblisters to paint on off-side rear quarter
Minor rust bubbles beneath paint on leading edge of bonnet
One missing headlamp washer
Generally well-presented car needing only minor cosmetics to bring up to superb standard
Microblistering in the paint as well as corrosion on the bonnet
THE MECHANICS
The car needs recommissioning after a long period in storage
5,547cc V8
300bhp
Four-speed auto transmission
Said to drive well by vendor with no known issues
SUMMARY
Even in its standard form, the 560 SEC is an ultra-luxurious high-performance coupé and the Carat-Duchatelet modifications carried out to this one add a further dash of style. Indeed, unlike many specialist conversions from the 1980s these are surprisingly subtle. Carat-Duchatelet’s service was bespoke and there were many SECs that were made to look much wilder.
This one is tastefully done and is presented in very smart overall condition, needing only minor cosmetic fettling to bring it up to a really high standard. A rare and tidy example of the ultimate 1980s Mercedes-Benz.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
