– low-mileage Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL from the W126 series
– pinnacle of German automotive engineering in the mid-1980s
– not black or dark blue as most state carriages, but white exterior
– tan leather interior and original “500 SEL” floor mats
– re-imported vehicle, used to run in California
– clean Carfax report with only two owners from new
– this vehicle featured in the 01/2017 issue of Autobild Klassik and was rated a condition 1- car
– highly original, untinkered car
– Becker Mexico radio, “baroque rims”, climate control, sunroof, cruise control, power windows
– historic plates
– beautiful long wheel base version of one of the best cars you could buy in the 1980s
Every Mercedes-Benz S-class series has a few superlatives to its name, but if there is one that outrivals all others in terms of popularity, it is likely the W126. No other S-class was sold in greater numbers, or over a longer timespan. The timelessly elegant sedan was designed by Bruno Sacco and made its debut at the 1979 Frankfurt Motor Show. A better drag coefficient and a weight reduction helped improve fuel efficiency by roundabout 10 % compared to its predecessor. In 1981, the coupé version was added to the lineup. The choice of engines consisted of 6- and 8-cylinder models with a displacement of up to 5.6 litres and a power output of up to 220 kW (300 hp). 5- or 6-cylinder Diesel engines were only available in sedans for the North American market.
The W126 received a facelift in 1985 and remained in high esteem with politicians and celebreties around the world for many more years. German production ceased in 1991, but continued in South Africa until 1994. A total of 818,063 sedans and 74,060 coupés were built. The W126 has a reputation for excellent build quality and longevity: German chancellor Helmut Kohl’s official car was only taken out of service when it had accumulated over 500,000 km.