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Car & Classic

1986 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC C126

Sold for

£20,260

Ended 12 May 2026

Data from Car & Classic, updated on 10 Oct 2026

Year
1986
Mileage
139,000 miles
Gearbox
Automatic
Engine
4973cc
Colour
Blue
Location
Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Specification

Fuel
Petrol
Steering
Right Hand Drive
Auction house guide
£13,500 – £23,348

Description

Highlights

  • Nautical Blue metallic car in beautiful all around condition
  • Completely standard and unmodified throughout
  • Attractive and well kept grey leather interior with walnut veneers
  • High specification car with electric memory front seats with heating
  • Impressive history file including original bill of sale, logbook, and handbooks
  • Service book with 21 stamps and accompanying receipts
  • Garaged throughout its life
  • Only five registered keepers
  • Current MOT valid to February 2027
  • The car will come freshly serviced
  • Eligible for Historic Vehicle status based on build date

The Appeal

At close to £40,000 new (£120,000 now), this 1986 500SEC was nudging up against the price of a brand new Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit. And with good reason, because these cars were engineered and built without compromise.

It’s a point proven by this highly preserved 1986 Nautical Blue car. The colour is complemented by contrasting silver grey ‘Sacco Planks,’ grey leather, walnut veneers and a set of Mexican Hat alloys. Throughout it is very well kept and a credit to its handful of keepers.

The vendor acquired the car recently to modify the car but decided the car really is way too good for that. The previous owner from 2020 has continued the practice of the previous keeper in garaging it and maintaining it properly. The service book shows a run of stamps to support the mileage and the car is currently being serviced, the current MOT contains no advisories. That test could be the car’s last if the buyer wishes. Based on an August 1985 build date, the car is eligible for Historic Vehicle status.

As a 5L C126, this majestic grand tourer has the pace to match the style. Definitely one for the enthusiasts and collectors.

The vendor says:

“The car has been pampered all its life and is truly stunning, very recent paint correction carried out, it's been kept inside all its life with massive amounts of paperwork that includes original bill of sale and logbook, all Mercedes booklets and a full service book. I actually bought the car to build a SEC AMG evocation, but it's too nice to spoil!!!!!”

Key Information

  • Mileage: 139,000 miles (supported by service history documentation, not warranted)
  • Country of registration: United Kingdom
  • MOT status: valid to 24th February 2027 with no advisories, eligible for HV status
  • Technical specs: 300bhp 4,973cc M117 V8 petrol, four-speed automatic
  • Paperwork: Original bill of sale, original logbook, all Mercedes booklets, and service book with 21 stamps and receipts
  • The car is currently in being serviced and had new coil springs fitted recently

The Detail

  • Nautical Blue metallic with recent paint correction completed
  • The vendor states the paintwork is in showroom condition
  • Bodywork and fittings in good order with arches, sills and panel edges as shown
  • No structural advisories on MOT
  • Full grey leather interior in very good condition as shown
  • A cover near the rear screen has likely been damaged by moths
  • Vendor reports no rust underneath, with the underside in very good condition
  • Buyers should check photos to verify this statement
  • Vendor states the car is mechanically very good
  • We are told that the car is factory standard and everything works
  • ULEZ free and tax exempt according to seller (see above)
  • Car is not currently registered as a Historic Vehicle according to V5, but appears to be eligible (buyers should check)
  • ‘Mexican Hat’ alloys in very good condition with matching spare
  • Fitted with electric front seats with memory and heating and electric sunroof

The vendor says:

“Paintwork is beautiful, showroom condition. No rust underneath and very good condition

“Interior is beautiful, seats and carpets are very good, only problem is a cover near rear screen that has probably been attacked by moths, its all standard and everything works!!

“Mechanically the vehicle again is very good and factory standard, huge amount of service history to include 21 service book stamps and receipts as the book is full.”

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

Comparable sales

Sold prices from auctions that ended in the last 24 months. Chart shows the last 12 months. The latest 4 sales carry details. Prices in GBP.

Median sold price

£15,875

Sold range

£11,250 – £17,400

Sold lots

8

Price trend

Falling

Sold 28% above the C126 median

Jan 2026Apr 2026Jul 2026Oct 2026
See all results

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