Fresh off last week’s 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL, I happen to run across another European-market example, although this one is already in this US. This is a 1985 380SEL that marked the final year for the 3.8L V8 before switching over the 4.2L V8 in the 420SEL. These are generally forgotten in the W126 world as if you are going to buy one, a diesel or the 560 are the best bang for your buck. So why look at a lowly 380SEL then? How does 2,900 miles since new sound? Well, how does it look is more like it.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SEL on eBay
Year: 1985
Model: 380SEL
VIN: WDB1260331A191386
Engine: 3.8 liter V8
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage: 2,918 mi
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Price: $39,995
1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SEL TIME CAPSULE with only 2,918 miles ! Only one owner from new, has lived the good life, garage kept and babied from new, and still looks like NEW ! Stunning color combination in Smoke Silver Metallic with Creme Beige Leather. European Version 380SEL special order by the only owner to his exact specifications, owner accepted delivery in Belgium then imported to Arizona. Well documented, correctly imported with copies of EPA and DOT Bond Release letters. CAR IS AMAZING in every respect, preserved in time, and as original as they get ! Paint, Body and Interior, all in concours condition. Mechanically well cared for. properly stored and serviced, riding on new Michelins since coming out of storage from the last owner. Has all it’s books, service records, Kardex, Hang tags, keys. Original spare never down, tool kit still in the wrapper. They are only original once ! This one still feels like it’s 1985, truly a remarkable example and most likely the nicest you will see offered anywhere !
Despite being a this one originally delivered to Belgium, this one actually was ordered with leather, as opposed to the common cloth/velour that we saw in the 560SEL. The color combination is surely forgettable with Smoke Silver, but at this mileage, good luck finding another one. Of course, that said – it should originally have had a km/h speedometer and so the mileage shown could not very well be accurate. The seller nice does a nice job showing how clean this car is, and honestly it wouldn’t take much to keep it this nice if you start driving it. The question is however, is it worth the premium?
An asking price of $40,000 will raise some eyebrows, but probably isn’t all that unreasonable. We’ve seen W126s sell over that asking price and they had far more miles than this one does. Yes, the color combo does kill a little bit of the excitement, but if having a near-new example is what you want, I don’t think this is all that out of the question. Fun to still see these exist.
– Andrew
If the mileage is true, then this is by far the lowest mileage 126 I’ve seen come up recently. Very cool to see in such great shape.