Don’t look now, but it seems like the Mercedes-Benz W140 chassis is finally getting its due. Does that mean go out and buy every Craigslist W140 you can find like people do with the 2.3-16v and W124 500Es? No. Please don’t do that. What I’m trying to say is that the very best of the best W140s are finally selling for prices that I would consider “premium”. Just as an example, a 1996 S600 Coupe with 36,000 sold for $32,500 last week and it looked every bit the part of a new car. The sedan is no different either, although the V12 cars and Grand Edition certainly seem to be the most desirable, and rightfully so. Today, I came across a 1991 600SEL up for sale in Germany with just 15,000 miles. Naturally the car perfect, but this one has a little surprise once you open the doors.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1991 Mercedes-Benz 600SEL at Janzen Klassik
Year: 1991
Model: 600SEL
VIN: N/A
Engine: 6.0 liter V12
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage: 24.650 km (15,316 mi)
Location: Leichlingen, Germany
Price: €43.900 ($48,703)
• The Mercedes carrier of technology of the 90s in its longest and strongest version
• Refined and strong V12 engine with 408 hp
• 1 owner from new
• In ownership of the renowned “Hotel Bachmair am Seeâ€, Rottach-Egern, Germany, meeting point of the international Jet-Set at that time
• Elegant color scheme
• Lusciously optioned
• Very low mileage of only 24.650 km
• Fully documented with proper filled service booklet and maintenance records
• 100% original paint with flawless body and interior
This S-Klasse was optioned with a cloth interior. Yes, the best sedan this side of a Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit (I’ll argue the W140 is a better car.) has cloth seating surfaces. In North America, this would be blasphemous, but in Europe, no big deal. I personally dig it because cloth has many advantages over leather, but the stigma of not getting leather might be too much for some. That aside, this is a really wonderful example. The two-tone blue works great on this car and this one looks to be without question one of the finest examples out there for sale.
All this comes at a price however. Nearly $50,000 USD is the ask, which is at the very top of the market. A very similar US-spec car sold in Europe last year for just $21,000, but this is a tough comparison because a ton of very desirable cars sold before and after that one came up for bid. However, it seems like the very best S600 are landing in that $20,000-25,000 range over the past year or so. I think this would be more right at home somewhere in the $30,000 ball park. As nice as it is, it is probably overpriced.
– Andrew
Such a lackluster design. It looked awkward with slab siding and uninspired lines when it was new, and that hasn’t changed with time. Especially with the Coupes.
Not many know this, but the velour option was actually more expensive than the leather option. So there is no real stigma.
The w140 cars are the pinnacle of German engineering. Really really great cars, way ahead of their time and bulletproof. I had a mint s420 for sale with 110,000 miles. It even smelled new. I swear I couldn’t give that thing away. It finally sold to a guy in past Robles for 3100 bucks. It took forever to sell. A lot of non car people I know hated that car. Everybody thought it was a 15k car. Weird experience that’s for sure. The build quality is just undeniable.
I agree that the coupe looks terrible, but this is OK. Certainly is what I consider real MB, not the current Kiafied trash. Would prefer the predecessor to this.
An interesting tidbit: the early euro cars had the “600SEL” script on the console door wood. Later cars didn’t and certainly never the US cars.
@BVC500 That is very true. I was really surprised Mercedes did this, but people must of hated it because it didn’t stick around long.
I agree with the somewhat questionable styling however any of the naysayers actually get their hands behind the wheel of an M120 powered coupe or sedan they will definitely change their mind.
I own a 97 S600 and it just impresses me every time I take it on a road trip and anybody in the car is thoroughly impressed with the absolute comfort silence and interior fit and finish is about as good as it gets.
Riding in the back seat reclined is really the best position to be in.
I drove a friends CL 600 a few months ago and equally impressive. I have a 97SL 600 and while it’s the same motor and transmission is an entirely different animal.
They are becoming collectible but most people don’t know their significance in Mercedes history and in 20 years when everything in there is electric powered disposable robot car I think these are really going to be a sight to see.
Great article with some interesting backstory about W140
https://auto-didakt.com/cars_blog_leser/mercedes-benz_w140_design_review_history_bruno_sacco.html