While it can be easy to fall victim to “rage bait” and feel that there are no longer any good values in the collector vehicle marketplace, there’s still plenty of finds to be had. These are vehicles sitting right in front of us that don’t grab the auction headlines, and therefore, remain hidden from view. The Mercedes-Benz C126 lineup is a car that can still be bought for reasonable money while offering loads of prestige and collectability. This 1983 Mercedes 380SEC listed here on craigslist has some cosmetic needs but looks to be rust-free and fairly straight, with a reasonable ask of $4,900.
Any model crafted by famous Mercedes designer Bruno Sacco deserves a closer look, as he truly was responsible for some of the company’s most significant models. He was a wizard in many ways, taking the company’s classic conservative stance and making his models achingly beautiful yet completely understated. The coupe configuration of the W126 sedan transformed one of the company’s most stoic designs into a stunning coupe with a pillar-less configuration that remains one of its most iconic selling points. Open the front and rear windows all the way and enjoy open-air motoring with the roof still in place.
Proportionally, it also works, despite a significant chunk of the car being removed in coupe form. The SEC became an instant hit as a grand tourer, offering completely composes driving dynamics with a range of engines available across Europe, while the U.S. models were offered with standard V8 power. While the U.S. bumpers were always ungainly, the W- and C126 cars made the most of it, and carefully blended them into the design. This example does require new paint, but you can live with its roughshod appearance while the mechanical bits are sorted out. The wheels are incorrect and a proper set of Bundts should be sourced straight-away.
The other details you’ll notice is that this is an early model with the recessed headlamps; finding a set of European-style lenses would improve its appearance immensely. The 380SEC is seen far less often than the later 560SEC and features a 3.8L V8 engine with around 160 horsepower and 196 lb.-ft. of torque and Bosch fuel injection. This was not a particularly quick car by modern standards, but the fact that it’s an early model makes this affordable project all the more intriguing to me. 0-60 is around 10 seconds, which isn’t terrible and it will happily maintain highway speeds. This one needs a tune-up and interior work in addition to paint, and the end result will certainly be worth the effort.
No interior shots and described as a mechanic’s special? Pass.