A big Mercedes sedan always has a sense of occasion, as they say, making every trip seem like a journey to a glamorous destination. In the case of this 1987 420SEL, an example of the W126-generation S-class, the original owners used it on their snowbird getaways from their native Canada to glamorous (?) Ft. Lauderdale. If you want to feel like you’re on an exotic getaway of your own, this foreign, Canadian-spec S-class, with its bilingual French and English dash markings and its metric speedometer, can be yours for a mere $3,000; find it here on craigslist in Ft. Lauderdale.
There is, however, a catch: despite wearing Florida tags in the photos, this Benz is still titled in Canada. That means that the new owner will have to take it to a port and pay import duties on it, although since it’s over 25 years old it shouldn’t be subject to the more onerous requirements around meeting U.S. regulations. The headlights and bumpers look like the same Federally-mandated units Mercedes fitted to U.S.-spec cars anyway.
Once the formalities have been dispensed with, you’ll be ready to roll in style. The “L” in the SEL model designation stands for Lang, meaning this is the long-wheelbase model, and there is indeed stretch-out room in the back. That pleated leather looks glorious, although the characteristically droopy seatback pockets are a bit declassé, don’t you think?
Things look pretty good up front, too, although there’s a nasty little snag in the passenger seat upholstery and a pretty major crack smack-dab in the center of the dash pad. Fun fact: in 1989, this model became one of the first cars sold in the U.S. with dual front airbags (although the first were sold in small numbers by GM several years earlier). Although this ’87 has only one airbag, it’s still a remarkably safe and solidly built car—and not just “for its age”.
Under the hood is a 4.2-liter V8, which is said to have been well maintained. The odometer shows over 175,000, but those are kilometers—so this Mercedes has just a hair over 100,000 miles, and should be good to go at least that long again with proper care. The relatively minor differences between this Canadian-spec Mercedes and its U.S.-market counterparts add a bit of mild interest to what is otherwise a nicely maintained, original—but not perfect—luxury liner, but I think the $3,000 pricetag is a bargain in any language, ne pensez-vous pas?
Oui, je pense….it is cheap, even with US duty to pay, which I think will be on the documented US$ price paid. I believe the duty will be 2.5%, which might deter some potential buyers, but that rate is far, FAR less than most other countries in the known universe, so……think about it.
Anyway, If it runs OK, the asking seems pretty reasonable since even if you part it out you will probably make money. Maybe a lot of money. I’m not necessarily advocating that, M-B fans, just sayin’…….
Had one about 15 years ego. Great cars , nothing like today’s crap.
With out a doubt this one will turn into a money pit if you buy it.
At the very least the timing chain and guides must be replaced. That aint cheap.
Good luck.
I just sold an immaculate 1987 560SEL on another auction site. It was here in Toronto and with 86k km it only brought $4500 USD. Even the buyer admitted he expected to pay more. This car has more than twice the mileage so an offer of $2500 seems about right to me. Also very important to know if the tensioners, guides, etc. have been replaced and when. These are great highway cruisers. Can run all day at 90mph and feel great at the end of the day.
BTW 2.5% is less than $100.00 so not a factor.
I had a 1986 560SEL with just under 400K in milage. It still looked brand new, on the exterior and was the most solid and well built car I have ever owned.
If you buy it just add in the cost of a valve job and tensioners as soon as you get it and you will still get one of the best cars every made and one of the most elegant. This body style is the longest design model that Mercedes every built. With good reason, for this is a design that is over 30 years old and still looks good. Also this is one of Mercedes’s heritage cars. They STILL MAKE PARTS for this car. EXPENSIVE parts but they still make them because there is a demand. That should tell you all you need to know.
I am looking for an SEC myself. And for those of you who wonder what happened to mine. I had a section of highway drop about 9″ as I was going over it. I hit the pavement on the other side and flattened three of the four tires, damaged the rear suspension, drive shaft and transmission. Because of the high miles the insurance company totaled it and I got almost nothing. BUT, I walked away, these things are built like TANKS and it is the only car I have ever been in that crazy big truck drivers do not mess with. Which is a good idea because I think I would have a better chance of surviving an accident in a SEL of this era than they would.
I always loved these cars, especially the SEC pillarless coupes. Gorgeous!
I had one of these 420’s a couple of years ago..Sweet ride & it made me feel like a Diplomat or Mafia kingpin..surely, a highway king as it cruised at 90 all day long w/o breaking a sweat..had to get rid of it when something shorted & burnt the wiring all the way up to the firewall.