To me, one of the more intriguing projects to take on is an old limo. Now, not just your run-of-the-mill Town Car or Cadillac, but something more exotic. We’ve all seen the random Porsche 911 stretch, or the Corvette that’s gotten a length adjustment. Who commissioned these builds? Or was it just an enterprising limo owner who thought he’d make a bunch of money by having a stretched version of a car no one else did? I’m sure the motivations behind such cars aren’t as outlandish as I hope, but it’s still fun to wonder about the inception of cars like this W126-chassis Mercedes-Benz 500SEL limo listed here on eBay for just $3,500.
This is yet another listing from an auto recycler in Illinois that occasionally posts decent project cars for sale. So, the W126 Mercedes models are a dime a dozen on any major classifieds site, and while known to be reliable, they usually aren’t worth restoring. You can easily find a decent one for not much cash. However, a limo version changes all of that, as I can’t remember the last time I saw a car like this in the states. Overseas, sure – the 500SEL is their version of a Caprice or a Town Car, so not exactly rare and used for all manners of livery duties; seeing one in stretch limousine form in middle America likely means this was a specially-commissioned build.
One of my favorite builds over the years was a guy who took an E23-chassis BMW 7-Series limo and made it into a highly distinctive entrant to car shows and Radwood-style events all over Michigan. Ironically, I saw a limo version of the older 745 model in a junkyard in Massachusetts way back in the day, and even heard rumours that it was saved. People will go out of their way to preserve a car like this, if for no other reason than to get a reaction at a car show. However, how good would this 500SEL limo look on color-matched AMG monoblock wheels with European-market headlights and a subtle lowering kit? The engine does turn freely, but there are no keys.
Like all vehicles this seller puts on the market, there’s little in the way of history and plenty of obvious issues. The bodywork has seen better days, and it sounds like there may be some rust hiding in places. The interior has had mice in it, so you’re going to notice the smell of rodent urine, but the seller claims it’s “…not bad.” The 500SEl is powered by an M117 V8 that was de-tuned for the American market, meaning this big Benz – which likely weighs a ton – has a measly 184 horsepower to drag it around. Still, it seems well worth saving, especially if you’ve got a wonky European car collection that’s missing its centerpiece.
That’s from Auto Parts City in Gurnee, Illinois. They have interesting vehicles for sale … there’s a Packard on their website that would write-up worthy. The YouTube yard-walk videos and the famous “rust kick” are entertaining. The subject limo would have been right at home in “Coming to America”.
He is interesting, he’s realistic about the cars, everybody in the comments wants them to be saved, but it’s up to someone other than them to step up with the money.
I like that the videos are short, it’s a good one to two minute break during the day.
Steve R
I can guess why good photos, or more photos are not posted.
Go back to the ebay ad and scroll all the way down, there are more than 80 pics showing all the flaws, this guy isn’t hiding anything.
Got it, thanks.
“Limo” and ” project”.
Two words that should never go together!
And it’s totally rotted out underneath! The suspension would probably break if you were foolish enough to drive it.
No. But also yes. This would be fun to get going and drive around. Then again, no. But yes.
Ended with no takers, even at that price.