1985 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC C126 Series 1

Highlights

• Well preserved car in rare Classic White over dark blue leather
• Low documented mileage of 72,400 miles
• One of the last ‘Series 1’ cars with reliable mechanical fuel injection
• Well specified with sunroof, cruise and front electric seats with memory and heating
• Only four keepers with current one since 2021
• Large history file with recent maintenance by Colin Fearns
• Maintenance has included sills, suspension and servicing in recent years
• Current voluntary MOT valid to July 2027 with no advisories

The Appeal

Astonishingly expensive and exquisitely engineered, the original C126 500SEC had few obvious rivals. Even 40 years on, as this well-preserved low mileage car proves, they appear as hewn from solid stone.

The Datacard shows that this car was one of the last ‘Series 1’ cars built, constructed in the ‘changeover’ month of September 1985. It therefore retains the higher compression version of the M117 5L V8 and the simpler and easier-to-maintain Bosch mechanical fuel injection system, two good reasons to put it on your wish list. Then there’s the rare Classic White and dark blue leather colour combination, which remains in very good order thanks to the car being barely run in at 72,400 miles. The interior features desirable factory options like an electric sliding sunroof, electric front seats with memory and heating, and cruise control. There’s even a fridge in the boot, which we are told is an original feature.

The vendor is only the car’s fourth keeper. He bought it in 2021 from a reputable classic dealer, who had sold the car to the previous keeper. Since purchase, he has extended the large history file with regular servicing and other work, including by specialists like Colin Ferns, who has carried out suspension repairs. The current MOT is now voluntary and runs to July 2027, with no advisories. This is a very tidy, nicely presented low mileage early C126.

The vendor says:

“Service records available demonstrating regular maintenance by reputable garages, although original service book missing. The original, unmodified engine starts on the first turn.

“Original unmodified low mileage example in great condition which drives beautifully. Rare to see on the road and gets plenty of notice.”

Key Information

• Mileage: 72,400 miles indicated
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• MOT status: voluntary test to 28th July 2027 with no advisories
• Technical specs: 231bhp M117 4,973cc fuel injected V8, 4spd automatic
• Paperwork: folder of history, various invoices, Mercedes datacard

The Detail

• Rare Classic White paintwork with silver metallic bumpers and lower trim
• Paintwork and trim present well with some scuffs and marks to note in photos
• Recent work to suspension and sills as part of MOT repair work
• Vendor advises some bubbling to panels which can be checked in photos
• Underside as shown with no structural advisories on MOT
• ‘Mexican Hat’ alloy wheels in good order with some light flaking and age to note
• Royal Blue leather interior in very good order due to low mileage
• Matching carpets and dark walnut veneers fitted
• Features electric sunroof and electric front seats with memory and heating
• Specification also includes cruise control
• We are told that everything works correctly
• Supplied with modern stereo with original also included as shown
• Cooler unit in boot is said to be original to car
• Good history file showing ongoing work including water pump, pulleys and brake pads
• No advisories on voluntary MOT

BEFORE YOU BUY

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