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Highlights

Lovely original condition
Low mileage example
32 years with the current owner

The Appeal

The 126-series was Mercedes’ internal designation for the second generation of the S-Class line-up. The sort of big coupe that CEOs, venture capitalists and country club presidents drove - but time hasn’t been kind to big coupes. In a world obsessed with SUVs and crossovers, the two-door has faded away almost completely. So as pretty as the pillarless C126 is, they are artefacts of a world gone by, and it truly is a shame to have to admit.

This example of the opulent coupe reportedly remains entirely original, with some very gentle signs of age - it’s rather charming to get a glimpse of one so well cared for throughout the years. Originally used as a demonstrator at the garage it was offered by, the V5 states one previous keeper which would in fact be the garage itself, making this a true single owner car since 1991. With only one owner keeping the vehicle for the last 32 years, you can rest assured that this lovely bit of history has been well loved and pampered.

The History and Paperwork

Originally registered in 1990
V5C present and correct, ready for transfer of ownership
Original handbook, guarantee warranty card and leather wallet
Originally registered by the dealership and therefore they became the first owner
Original sales document from 1991 where the first keeper purchased the vehicle
Owned by the original keeper since 1991, lovingly maintained ever since
Recently MOT’d on the 24th of August 2023, valid until August 2024
Excellent service history with 12 service stamps from main dealerships
Service stamps available all the way up until 56k miles, thereafter it has been self-maintained
Underside recently treated to dry ice and Lanoguard to preserve the vehicle

The Interior

Blue leather in charming condition, both front seats are well presented with only some light cracking in the leather on the squabs as well as the driver side bolster
Rear seats are very well presented with only some gentle signs of any use, the leather remains supple and the stitching free from any damage
Headlining is shown in poor condition, the material is collapsing from the rear of the sunroof and would require some attention
Original steering wheel is in good condition, with no damage present on the centre horn cover and just gentle hints of age on the leather rim
Blue dashboard appears to be free from any damage or cracks, and the wooden veneer is in good shape with some fading and small cracks noticed around the edges and around some of the centre switchgear
The centre console reportedly functions as it should with all of the switchgear remaining easy to read, and the original Blaupunkt radio remains in place
Both door cards are well maintained with nice leather and stitching and only some gentle signs of age, and the lower carpet sections appear good
Original floor carpets front and rear are well preserved with excellent colour and no damage to be noted

The Exterior

Astral Silver two-tone paintwork well presented
Front end shows some gentle hints of use, with light marks on the bumper and some tarnishing noticed on the grill brightwork
Some lacquer delamination reported on the bonnet in various areas
The keeper states there are various small parking dents in some areas of the vehicle
Small blister on top of the offside rear wing
Some corrosion reported in both door shuts where the rubber seals meet the body
Both headlights appear in good shape with no apparent damage or water ingress present
Bodywork is reported to be all original and remains straight and true, with nice fitting panel gaps throughout
A small dent is noticed under the driver side front indicator lens
All four arches are in nice condition, with some corrosion apparent on the driver side rear and passenger side rear
Brightwork trim along the sides of the vehicle could do with a little love, as they show some tarnishing
All four wheels are original and could do with refurbishment, though no damage is present the paintwork has seen better days
Rear bumper trim has some corrosion on the passenger side beneath the tail light
Both tail lights are in good condition and in full working order
Original 500 SEC badge designation present with nice brightwork
All inner arches have been treated with dry ice and present themselves very well

The Mechanics

5-litre V8 M117 petrol engine, reportedly in excellent health with no known mechanical issues present
242hp output with 400 Nm of torque
Rear-wheel drive configuration
4-speed automatic transmission reported to be in good mechanical condition, with smooth gear shifts and no unwelcome whining under load
Excellent service history present with 12 main dealership stamps
Most recent MOT states that the brake pipes are covered in grease or other material, however since the dry ice treatment the brake pipes have reportedly come up in excellent manner
Seatbelt butlers work flawlessly
Steering and suspension reportedly excellent with no unwelcome knocks or bangs while in use

Summary

A well cared for, single owner 500 SEC is like a needle in a haystack. Time has not been kind to these handsome coupes, but the ones which have lived under the caring wing of a loving custodian are just as pretty as they were upon release. All original, full dealership servicing, this would make for an excellent addition to any collection with the potential for a quick and easy sympathetic restoration. You’d struggle to get more car for your money than this!

BEFORE YOU BUY

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