This 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL is a rare example of an early top-of-the-line model that wasn’t yet sold stateside. For years, we received watered-down cars that were saddled with restrictive emissions equipment and other less-desirable features, and because of this, the grey market importing business took off in the early 80s. This 500SEL is one of those cars and is equipped with the more powerful 228 b.h.p. V8. Find it here on eBay with bids to $2,800 and no reserve.
I’m surprised to see bidding so low at the moment, as this looks like a very clean European-market example. The tidy bodywork is accented by the far prettier European-style bumpers, and I suspect the seller could drive more interest if it was sitting on the correct Bundt wheels that came standard on the W126, along with some glass H4 headlights that this example would have originally been equipped with.
The interior is trimmed in leather, which is a surprise considering most grey market W126s I’ve seen have velour upholstery. The seller notes the switchgear is labeled in German, which is as good of a sign as any that this is a European-market example. The dashboard is in very nice condition as are the door panels and wood trim. The listed mileage is 92,414, which is nothing on one of these overbuilt Benzes.
The engine bay is clean and as mentioned, this European-spec mill pushes out a healthy bit more than what you could have ordered from your local dealer in 1983. In fact, you couldn’t even get this model at the time, with the top-shelf offering being a 380SEL pushing out a measly 165 b.h.p. Although these W126 models will never be immensely collectible, they are still extremely enjoyable highway cruisers and able to keep up with modern traffic – a win-win.
This is a great looking gray market Benz. I miss the 80’s grays. I seen great looking Jaguars all types. I am surprised at the low bids posted. To me it’s worth at least $10,000 . Look what you are getting in this 500. The ride in this will put you asleep! 😂 I lucky enough to drive one at the time. It’s so solid and strong like a tank. You can drive this anywhere. Someone is going to be lucky getting this 500SEL. 🐻🇺🇸
I like the color combination and the Brazil leather interior. You can get all kind of combinations on the euro W126 cars. Euro bumpers are a plus. Looks like prior paint work on the front fenders and hood. Some of these were equipped with 4 corner SLS suspension which is difficult to source parts today. We only got SLS on the rear of the flagship W126 over here. Original non-catalytic car was fitted with converters and US spec lights to pass epa for import. I’m am always on the lookout for another W126 since selling my 87 560 on BF last year. I would like to find a euro W126 short wheelbase with the right colors which means unusual for me. They are great cars and definitely a highway cruiser. A little thirsty unless you spring for a 300SD. V8 cars struggle to get mid teens so fuel costs should be considered if driven daily. Parts are also getting harder to find and good quality OEM is spendy. This car will probably bring 5-6K in its current condition.
I owned a 1977 MB 450 SEL 6.9 that came from Denmark in the 80’s. It was a rocket ship and super comfortable. The downside about this car is that Mercedes stopped making parts for anything more than 30 years old. So parts sourcing can be a bit of a chore at times. The ride is like in a dream, handling is wonderful and the fuel economy will be in the low 20’s. Whats not to like?
Sold for $5025.
The Mercedes Benz has always been a very much solid well built car . To bad parts for the 1983 500 SEL are hard to find on the W126 body sedan. If I were able I would most certainly bye one cause they are hard to beat. Cadillac says this is their competitor to compete with & do as good if not better