This pretty 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC is a stock survivor that has under 80,000 miles from new. It is a California vehicle that is claimed to have original paint, and the body panels appear laser-straight across all surfaces. The seller notes it has never had any accident damage repaired and that it comes with full maintenance history. The spare tire and factory tool kit have never been used, and it’s clear this W126 coupe has been loved since new. Find it here on eBay where bidding is at $5,100 with the reserve unmet.
These early W126 coupes are identifiable by their headlights, which don’t have the full glass lens like the later coupes do. This is not a bad thing, especially because the European-style lenses are an easy upgrade. The coupe remains completely stock, down to its original Bundt wheels and U.S. bumpers. So many of these cars have at least seen the early-model wheels swapped out for the later designs that it’s refreshing to see one that remains completely stock. My favorite feature? The pillarless doors that allow for the windows to slide down and leave the cabin completely open-air.
Blue interiors were all the rage in the 80s, so it’s not surprising to see a luxury car of this era with one. The cabin is nothing short of impeccable, which is an achievement for a car with close to 80,000 miles. The wood trim looks to be in great shape as well, along with the carpets. The back seat, which isn’t particularly hospitable anyway, looks to be unused. As a one-owner vehicle, it’s immediately evident when looking inside that the 500SEC wasn’t used for careless errand-running or taking the kids to the pool. It’s just too nice.
The engine bay follows the same theme of being relatively spotless, with a 5.0L V8 paired to a four-speed automatic transmission. The engine did duty across the Mercedes’ lineup and should be relatively easy to find parts for, should this well-maintained example develop a mechanical fault. However, given their reputation for durability, I’m confident a well-maintained W126 will be a fairly easy-to-live-with classic, while still offering a certain level of exclusivity given how few you see on the roads today. Bidding is cheap at the moment, but I expect it go to higher.
Very nice condition. Wonder of that phone works?
My employer of the time had a 380SEC and if you drove off without fitting the safety belt, you would receive a bump on your shoulder from the mechanical/electrical seat belt holder to remind you to use it! Very clever.
This, if the price stays near where it is, is a dang nice car for the money! I would prefer the 4 door but you really can’t go wrong here.
Bid is now at about $6,500 and still under reserve. It is interesting you see much newer ones at auctions ( Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar, Astin Martins etc, ) going for penneys on the dollar, WHY? My guess is maintence and no warranty is available. You roll the dice and take your chances. I think this a great car, but it has a high risk factor. of what it might cost down the road.
Its a top of the line mercedes from arguably the best era where they dialed the quality and reliability real well. Any square benz is going up in value including W201 (pre C class).
If maintenance is a problem i would recommend a v8 E-class from the 90ties (E420 in square body) for 80% of the S class experience without the S class tax stamp