Parking a beloved car outside can cause serious internal conflict for enthusiasts, especially if you’re aware of how slippery the slope is of prolonged exposure. The seller of this handsome W126-chassis Mercedes-Benz 560SEL may not have owned the car for years and years, but he knows that the clean cosmetics and spotless interior will suffer if it’s left to stand outdoors. Find this bronze beauty here on craigslist for $14,995 in California, and thanks to Barn Finds reader Todd K. for the find.
The interior of a 1980s Mercedes-Benz is usually a good news story considering how durable the materials are, but when you find one in a preserved state like this one, it’s amazing how well the cockpits still present, all these years later. Now, this 560SEL doesn’t have particularly high mileage but it’s not a time capsule, either: there’s 92,500 miles on the clock, so someone has been looking after this big body sedan for some time.
The seller references owning a “collection” of vintage Mercedes-Benz vehicles, which isn’t hard to do if you’re a fan of the W126 chassis cars. They have remained quite affordable for as long as I can remember, and I doubt the values are going to rocket higher any time soon. The good news is you can buy a very clean car like this one for reasonable money; the bad news is, it’s not a great model to hold onto long-term if you’re thinking of flipping it down the road.
The 560SEL was top banana back in the day on the luxury car hierarchy, and compared to similar models from the likes of BMW and Jaguar, the Mercedes was a far simpler car to live with – which is likely why this era of the company’s top-tier model has remained so popular with enthusiasts craving a vintage luxury car. I’d change the aftermarket radio back to the factory Becker unit to keep it as original as possible, but otherwise, I can find very little to fault based on the photos.
Timing chain and tensioner maintenance is recommended on
these engines at 100,000 miles.
Timing chain failure causes catastrophic damage.
I have a 1990 560SEL with about 60k miles in mint condition. I feel like I’m the caretaker of a jewel of automotive history when I take her for a drive. Gorgeous inside and out, handles far more nimbly than one night anticipate given the size, a strong (but thirsty) engine and very comfortable ride. I also have the 2-door 560SEC. The W126 like the W124 are perhaps the final over engineered and exceptionally reliable masterpieces designed by the master, Bruno Sacco!
This a 560SEL or 360SEL. big difference. Photo shows this is a 360SEL.. ?
W126 body was available with many engines over the years. None of which was a 360.
Looks like 560 to me.
Happens to many of us!!
Says 560 in picturey
Put some glasses on even my old eyes can see it clearly says 560 SEL
Put some glasses on even my old eyes can see it clearly says 560 SEL. Ha ha
It did look like a three at first though.
Hi Rock,
Yeah, I rather thought the trunk-lid picture read “360SEL” also, but then I clicked to enlarge the picture. It clearly says “560SEL”.
My magnifying glass agrees with you. It’s a 560SEL. Yes, I went there.
looks like a 3 but upon closer exam is a 560
I expanded the photo and it’s a 560.
It’s a little fuzzy but I don’t remember them ever making a 360.
I have a minty 1990 560SEL with 75k miles. Each time I take her out for a drive, I am aware that it’s a very special automobile and that I am the fortunate caretaker! Built like a tank, smooth ride, handles far better than you’d imagine given its size along with good acceleration too, albeit thirsty. I also have the beautiful 2-door 560SEC. These awesome W126 and the W124 I own are some of the last over built classics gems designed by Bruno Sacco.
So you haven’t been able to figure out how to get rid of that “minty” smell?
Haha. The car actually smells newish with the great aroma of fine leather.
My 87 V126 was one of the best cars I have ever owned and the only reason I sold her was 13mpg of premium fuel. A daily driver for long distance commutes she is not! A good substitute is my 92 short wheelbase W140 with the 4.2 M119. They were true masterpieces during the early years of production. I also have a C124 and a C126 560SEC. Definitely the best years of Mercedes.
Far better made than any junk MB puts out today with numerous stupid sensors, but then again all car makers do that. Do the timing chain and tensioners and drive it another 100,000 in comfort.
Nice car handles well corners well but when you want the ride you go with Cadillac every time.
Took long night rides in the back seat of a 450sel that looked like this. So much comfort and luxury. Hated seeing her leave in the morning. Felt the same way about the girl who drove it too. 😊
interesting comment.
For me it’s the W123 (even 230/280),
possibly due to my age (theirs too) and
the decline of the company (love the OM617).
Then again, I’m a wagon guy anyway (what can
‘beat’ the 300TDI from any era?)~
Without a doubt the OM617 has to be one of the most reliable engines ever designed and the W123 is a masterpiece, very much still valued by fans of the three pointed star. I’ve always desired a W123 coupe.
I’ve had quite a few 300CDs and they were all pretty fantastic cars
thank you OM617!
What’s under the hood?
Wish I could afford this great automobile, having owned a 300SD years ago. Wonderful true luxury ride. Cadillac too, but more sleep-inducing. German engineering at it’s finest.