I rarely have the opportunity to write about the same car twice, but that is the case with this 1981 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL AMG. We previously featured it in 2020, and, at that stage, it hadn’t run for years. Much has happened since, and this classic Mercedes has returned to active service. It has some cosmetic needs, but there’s nothing that a new owner with basic painting skills couldn’t tackle in a home workshop. The AMG is listed here on Barn Finds Classifieds in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It could be yours by handing the seller $6,500.

When this Mercedes last appeared on our pages, it showed some panel damage to the passenger side front fender. The owner didn’t mess about trying to repair what was a significant dent. They replaced the panel to ensure a high standard of fit and finish. The Charcoal Gray paint still looks tired, but it wouldn’t prevent a new owner from enjoying the car immediately. The Merc would undoubtedly make a bold impact following a repaint, but that could occur as time and circumstances allow. Some people find restoration projects depressing because they are forced to watch their heart’s desire sit for years awaiting some TLC. That isn’t the case here. The buyer can enjoy the classic motoring experience until they have all their ducks in a row to perform a quick and painless cosmetic restoration. With the damaged fender replaced, the panels look straight and clean. There is no evidence of rust or other nasty problems. The glass and trim look good, but the wheels will allow the buyer to personalize this classic further. The car rolls on the rims we see in the photos, but the owner includes a set of AMG 5-Star wheels that would dramatically change the vehicle’s appearance.

A lot has happened to this Mercedes over the past two years, which all amounts to positive news. The person who purchased the car via our site revived a classic that had been sitting for years. After replacing the battery and cleaning the fuel system, this gem roared back to life. They replaced the water pump, radiator, and the damaged steering components on the front right corner. This classic’s 4,973cc V8 engine should produce close to its original 237hp, which finds its way to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The Mercedes “S Class” has long been the benchmark for advanced technology, making it no surprise that this car features four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. That wasn’t a feature offered by many manufacturers in 1981. The car runs and drives well following the work. The seller supplies this YouTube video allowing us to see and hear it in action. The motor sounds as sweet as a nut, proving that this car is ready for instant enjoyment.

When we last saw this 500, its interior was a sad and sorry sight. It featured cloth upholstery that was worn, torn, and sun-rotted. However, those days are long behind it. The owner sourced a complete replacement interior in luxurious Black leather. It lifts the inside enormously and reinforces the car’s luxury credentials. The leather isn’t perfect, with wear on the outer bolsters on both bucket seats. However, the wear isn’t bad, and a leather specialist should be able to return them to a spotless state without breaking the bank. The remaining interior trim and plastic look excellent, with no cracks in the prone dash pad. Since its last appearance, the owner replaced the Becker radio/cassette player with a Sony CD player. Other luxury touches include climate-control air conditioning, power windows, and cruise control.

This 1981 Mercedes 500 SEL is not perfect, but that could be part of its attraction. The paint is tired and peeling, but returning it to its former glory would be no more difficult or expensive than for any other vehicle of this vintage. Alternatively, the buyer could leave it untouched, cultivating the “shabby chic” look in a car that many may consider a genuine sleeper. Regardless of which path they select, it is a car that offers a lot for the money. I would love to see a new owner treat it to a cosmetic birthday, but could that person be you?