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.
I believe the M116 3.8L was transitioned to a double-row in 1983. Thus, it would be interesting to know if it has a double-row timing chain.
I am with @Dalton above. They are asking a lot for an undesirable (in North America) C126 that needs everything, with no pictures.
I imagine the seller is hoping to capture the attention of someone willing to export this to Europe where the 3.8L V8 and YOM are enticing.
Nice find…these always make me think of the finale of Road House.
The design of this car appeals to me as much today as it did 40 plus years ago when it was new. It’s especially remarkable when you compare it to other cars from that era.
Why must Mercedes and BMW’s always go by 2 names? Why isn’t 380SEC enough? It tells you the size of the engine and the body style? It’s so annoying to also call it by W126 when that tells the reader absolutely nothing until you memorize all those codes??
W126 is the codename. In this case, a coupe is actually a ‘C126.’ The W126 usually refers to the sedan because, traditionally, it was the first to be designed and released of each new model. Roadsters typically begin with an ‘R.’ For example, the 1971-1989 SL is the R107, and the 1972-1981 SLC is the C107.
The ‘380SEC’ designation is the model name. In this case, a C126 codename equipped with the 3.8L M116 V8. A ‘560SEC’ is a C126 equipped with the 5.5L M117 V8.
I hope that helps.
Thanks Brian! But again, what do those in–house “nomenclatures” provide that it not in 380SEC? It’s just getting to the point that unless you are working at Mercedes and BMW, it’s really TMI that most of us don’t need….
@SB Mike I hear you. I was very involved with BMWs and still refer to cars by their codenames when talking to fellow Bimmer friends. I might say something like “I prefer the E30 325i over the E36 325i.” What I mean is that I prefer the 1984-1991 325i over the 1992-1999 325i. When talking to consumers, I would use the years of manufacture instead of the codenames.
Or I might say something like, “The W126 S-class is generally better than the W220 S-class” (although I currently own a 2003 W220).
For most folks, however, the model name is enough. I sold a 1977 M-B 450SLC (C107) several months ago. I sold a 2002 M-B C32 AMG (W203). And I currently own a 2003 M-B S500 (W220). I have owned 2 C126 cars – one 380SEC and one 560SEC. They both have pros and cons, but I prefer the 560, given a choice. They are still beautiful cars built at a time when Mercedes-Benz was at the top of its game. They are fantastic classic cars with an incredibly reliable motor and readily available parts.
I can’t believe I am saying this and I am really sorry but, at that price, what about an LS Swap? Give me a break if I hadn’t said it someone else would.