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1997 Mercedes-Benz S500 Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz W140 Coupe is growing on me. Especially when they are done as well as today’s car. This 1997 S500 Coupe up for sale in Costa Mesa is painted in the ultra-bright Imperial Red and most importantly, the 18″ three-piece AMG wheels. The interior is take it or leave it beige leather, but it does make up for it having just a little over 25,000 miles. Time to buy in on the C140? Probably not this example given the asking price. Let me explain.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1997 Mercedes-Benz S500 Coupe at Private Collection Motors

Year: 1997
Model: S500 Coupe
VIN: WDBGA70G6VA344627
Engine: 5.0 liter V8
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Mileage: 25,550 mi
Location: Costa Mesa, California
Price: $34,995

CONDITION: Used
MODEL: S-Class
TRIM: S500 Special Order
BODY STYLE: Coupe
EXTERIOR: Signal Red
INTERIOR: Parchment
DOORS: 2
STOCK: B4835
MODEL NUMBER: S500C
VIN #: WDBGA70G6VA344627
MILEAGE: 25550
ENGINE: 5.0L Twin-DOHC SMPI 32-Valve Aluminum-Alloy V8 Engine
FUEL: Gas
DRIVETRAIN: Rear Wheel Drive

As far as looks go, this one is a stunner. I know some fancy lighting and photo editing, but this is as nice of a C140 I’ve seen in a long time. The Imperial Red paint is as rare as it comes, and might even of been a custom request color, but it seems to work here. The aforementioned 18″ AMG wheels are the star of the show though, as these things basically look amazing on any Mercedes from the 1990s. I wish the interior would have been black or grey as the beige always looks odd with the drab dashboard, but it isn’t the worst thing ever.

Unfortunately, this dealer wants a king’s ransom for this car. I know it has 26,000 miles and is in way above average condition, but it is still a 1997 S500 Coupe. Nearly $35,000 is on another planet considering they paid $15,000 for the damn car a few months ago. They knew exactly what they were doing and now they play the waiting game. Naturally a huge gamble seeing anyone who knows how to use www.google.com can figure out how much they have into the car paid for plus the cost of the wheels, which needless to say aren’t $20,000, even as cool as they are. I think this one sits for a while.

– Andrew

14 Comments

  1. Erich
    Erich March 23, 2020

    It’s a special car regardless of color, but that is striking. I never quite understood why somebody would go to that length of a special order vehicle, color the wheels and not pony up a little bit extra for the 12 cylinder as it offers a exceptional difference in performance and ride quality with the ADS. Of ADS was an option for the 500 but most of them did not have it. I also think of the Rolls-Royce buyer of the area who chose to purchase a Dawn over a Spur. After a major wealth event or your finances can justify a completely pointless vehicle why not just go all the way?

  2. LWB250
    LWB250 March 23, 2020

    Absolutely, Andrew. Given the outrageous price, despite the addition of the wheels, the current market can’t and most likely won’t support the bump.

    That being said, it is well appointed with Parktronic, a fairly rare option, and what appears to be the rear sunshade as well. It is a beautiful example, even if the interior is beige.

    I’ve owned W140 coupes, and they are a blast to drive. Luxury and performance, all wrapped up together.

  3. ace10
    ace10 March 23, 2020

    $35K. LOL

  4. The Prodigal Petrolhead
    The Prodigal Petrolhead March 23, 2020

    These guys pointed this out over the weekend:

    https://www.thembmarket.com/

    Killer car, price is probably optimistic but at the rate w140’s are appreciating, this is a killer car to spend 30k on so you don’t have to drive a 2017 C300. Would be good to know what the dealer has done for service, inspections, etc…

  5. Brad
    Brad March 23, 2020

    I like the color on the seats but the color on the dash and wheel looks like a corpse. Audi did the same thing for a while — horrible.

  6. Christian
    Christian March 23, 2020

    Still a low point for Benz design. Even when new, I was questioning what the heck was Benz thinking on this design. Just doesn’t look right with the slab-sides and bland front end.

  7. Greg
    Greg March 23, 2020

    I am with Christian. These things were hideous when new, ironic since they followed the beautiful 560SEC. They have not aged well either.i cannot imagine spending $10k on one of these bulbous monstrosities, let alone $35k.$35k will buy you a pretty nice AMG CL65! Dealers trying to push these as collectible are going to have an uphill battle….

  8. Ricky Weston
    Ricky Weston March 23, 2020

    This is a beautiful car especially with the beige interior. Looks amazing. Grey or black wouldn’t look right. The red is too warm of a color for black or grey. However, the price?! You have got to be kidding me. Absolutely ridiculous. I could justify the $35k if it was a 600 with the M120, but a 500? ROFLOL is the only thing I can come up with.

  9. Tony K.
    Tony K. March 24, 2020

    Crack pipe.

  10. Bryan
    Bryan March 29, 2020

    @Brad –

    The interior pass your standards otherwise? Better than the Intrepid rental car interiors that came after I assume…

    You should try posting something positive rather than the normal crap you spew here about most of the cars posted.

  11. Ricky Weston
    Ricky Weston March 29, 2020

    Let Brad be. Stupid is as stupid does. No sense wasting your time on somebody like him.

  12. Bryan
    Bryan March 30, 2020

    But Brad makes this site no funnnnnnnnnn! waaaaaahhhh

  13. Ricky Weston
    Ricky Weston March 31, 2020

    Hahah I know what you mean

  14. Johnny
    Johnny April 19, 2020

    Only a SUCKER would pay $35k for this tank.

Comments are closed.