Don’t look now, but the Mercedes-Benz W126 coupe is surging fast in terms of value. A very nice 1991 560SEC painted in Bornite with less than 8,000 miles just sold at Amelia Island for $78,400. Yes, that car is an outlier because of its outstanding condition and rare color (plus some competitive bidders), but it sets an interesting example. For the past decade or so, $10,000 could buy you an average SEC. Not cheap in terms of old German luxury cars, but still reasonable for what it is. Now the big auction houses are touting the ”Youngtimers” from the 80s and 90s, and suddenly everyone is running to Craiglist to see what is out there. Are they suddenly going to be doubling or tripling in price like a 190E 2.3-16v? Probably not. However, find a worthwhile example and you can enjoy it maintaining its value for years to come. Today’s car, a 1990 560SEC painted in the rare Signal Red, seems to still priced competitively but I’m willing to bet that this one won’t last long at all.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1990 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC on eBay
Year: 1990
Model: 560SEC
VIN: WDBCA45E8LA527982
Engine: 5.5 liter V8
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage: 138,926 mi
Price: $10,995 Buy It Now
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC —THIS CAR WAS COMPLETELY RESTORED AT 91,000 MILES IT HAS 138926 ON IT NOW THIS IS A RARE CLASSIC BENZ ALL PARTS WAS OEM MERCEDES —MOST OF OUR VEHICLES ARE HIGH QUALITY, HAND PICKED, ONE OWNER IN A LIKE NEW CONDITION WITH A CLEAN CAR FAX. ALL ARE FULLY INSPECTED, SERVICED AND RECONDITIONED, THOSE THAT DO NOT MEET OUR MECHANICAL CRITERIA ARE NOT OFFERED FOR SALE.
Like almost all the cars I feature from this seller, it shows very well. It is noted that this car was repainted at one point in time, so maybe that is why the Signal Red pops so much. For being such a conservative and stately design, this car would stand out in traffic without a doubt. Inside, it is a totally different story. The creme leather looks as it should and the only thing I don’t like is that aftermarket headunit. Under the hood, it looks even better. No complaints here.
At nearly $11,000, I can’t really object at all. You could totally use this car regularly without hurting its value too much or keep it as a weekend cruiser. Values of late-model C126s are holding strong and really low mile cars in excellent condition are bringing big dollars at auction. I’m still on the fence as to whether I would want it in my garage because it is so eye-catching, but then again that is the whole point of these cars. What say you? Too much red?
– Andrew
