The Mercedes-Benz C126 coupe is one of the more classic designs to emerge from the company over the last few decades, and it’s still immensely appealing today. Values have fluctuated, with pristine examples selling for very real money, along with those few AMG-modified examples that come up for sale. Early models and project-grade examples are still attainable for very reasonable money as this example here on eBay shows us. As a 1982 model with the 155 b.h.p. 3.8L V8 engine, it is far from the most desirable example, but the clean condition and nicely preserved interior make it worth a look. The asking price is $10,400 with the option to submit a best offer.

Mileage is relatively low on this example, with just under 57,000 miles. The chrome on the bumpers and the clean engine bay both suggest long-term care and possibly indoor storage. There’s no signs of any modifications, with the most obvious one being the lack of European-market headlamps.

Most enthusiasts have swapped these out by now for the prettier glass lenses, but not here – this SEC has remained in stock condition since new. The seller notes it runs and drives and is in excellent condition, but no details are offered on any specific maintenance work performed while in the seller’s ownership.

The burl wood in the dash and center stack looks far better than it usually does in a car of this age, another good indication this 380SEC has been garaged since new. Most Mercedes’ wood trim looks fairly rough at this point if the car isn’t a showroom-class example, and many also have a cracked dash. This car suffers from neither, and the blue leather seats and carpeting are also in excellent shape. The non-OEM radio is really the only let-down, but that’s easily remedied with a Becker radio pulled from any number of junked Mercedes models, ranging from W124s to W201s. The solitary floor mat shows a driver hitting a golf ball, so the odds of this car belonging to a retiree are quite good.

The impressive cosmetic condition continues out back, where the bumper chrome looks as it good as it does up front. There’s no signs of major dents, dings, rust, or even mild corrosion bubbling up. Despite residing in New York, the lack of cosmetic defects suggests (along with the low mileage) that this SEC was a weekend driver-only. While most Mercedes enthusiasts would prefer to find a model from the late 80s with the more powerful engine and streamlined headlights, a survivor like this is worth taking a serious look at. Throw in the option to make a best offer and this early C126 coupe looks better and better.