The W126 is still considered by many to be the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz’s combination of luxury, style, affordability and longevity, and it’s no wonder why. It was a huge sales success when new and the stout over-engineered design means that today there are plenty that are still available in good shape. It’s pretty amazing, actually – it’s quite rare to see a good condition E23 or C2/3 Audi in good shape today, but it’s almost rare to find SELs and SECs in poor shape. But at least on these shores, most of the later examples are the big-engine 5.6 V8 U.S. models – while there are some early 5.0 European market cars that were imported, it’s rare to see the later cars on this shore. That’s especially true of one of the lowest production number variants of the W126 – the 420SEC. With only around 3,600 total produced, they’re a fairly rare sight anywhere:
Tag: W126
It’s a testament to their design and engineering that you still see plenty of vintage Mercedes-Benzes on the road today, being used as any normal newer machine would. These cars were ahead of their time in performance and safety with style that has aged gracefully on many models. One of my favorite periods for the classics in the late 1980s, when cars like this 300SE were occupying space on the showroom floor amongst the R107 SLs and newly introduced 190 series sedans. This particular 300SE is a Euro spec model, with slimmer bumpers and flush headlamps that accentuate this car’s styling that blends modern and classic elements.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300SE on eBay
2 CommentsIn 1986 the big two door coupe from Mercedes, though flashier than its four door brethren, rarely would be seen in bright colors. Unlike some of the unique shades coming on the Benz cars today from the factory, particularly some of the special order Designo branded cars, the W126 cars rarely saw ultra bright eye catching colors. It is because most SECs you see are black, grey, dark blue, white and rarer red, that this canary yellow SEC really stands out. Obviously this isn’t a factory paint job, photos suggest this car was white, but that doesn’t diminish what a coat of bright paint does to the normally iconic, but subdued lines of the great SEC.
The color on this car was part of a makeover that also includes an extensive audio system. The system features Eclipse and Soundstream parts. It always amazes me at how, like cars themselves electronic equipment can provide a look that evokes a time period and the equipment in this car is no exception. The seller states the system was installed in the early 1990s, I would’ve pegged it at right about 1995. Flipping through some of my car audio magazines from that time and pricing some of the equipment there is no question the creator took the best that Eclipse and to offer and through it at the car. There is easily multiple thousands of dollars of parts alone from when they were new. It is too bad that the seller doesn’t show a build sheet with all the model numbers of the included parts, because certainly the speakers, which are hidden, are also upgraded. The seller says that all the equipment works as it should. The seller alludes to this being a display car, but doesn’t state whether it was for a manufacturer, car audio shop or what. If it was a display/demo car one would hope the install quality was high.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1986 Mercedes 560SEC with Custom ICE on eBay
10 CommentsThe W126 S class was a childhood dream car for me. While most my age were enchanted by Countaches and Testarossas, I was dreaming of owning a black W126 some day. To this day, these big sedans represent everything I love about the Three Pointed Star. These were cars that solidified the idea that everything you did, the Germans could do better. I still see plenty of S classes from this era on the road and like a fine timepiece, they just don’t go out of style. This 1989 420SEL for sale in New York has been lovingly cared for and while it isn’t the top of the line 560SEL, it has the rare orthopedic seat option. Certainly a boon for anyone contemplating long journeys in this fine machine.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1989 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL on eBay
2 CommentsIt’s pretty amazing when generations of cars come together in value; right now, there are 4 generations of Mercedes-Benz S-class models that all seem to hit market for around the same amount. From the beginnings of the “Sonder” Class Mercedes with the W116 through the W220 cars that are only just over a generation old, there’s a tremendous amount of luxury available in these super sedans and coupes. So what would be your choice? We’ll go by age this time, starting with the W116: