Vendor supplied images

Highlights

Very low mileage of only 66,000 from new
Just three registered keepers
Current enthusiast keeper since 2006
Regularly serviced and maintained
Recent exhaust, brake work, battery and fuel relay
Recently achieved MOT and tax exempt Historic Vehicle status

The Appeal

Handsome, lithe and elegant, the C126 is a very Mercedes-Benz sort of coupe, one that is as much luxury four seater as executive express. The firm’s engineering-led philosophy meant it was built to be the best big GT in the world, a feat it arguably achieved with its impeccable quality and legendary reliability.

This Series 1 C126 380SEC is a great reminder of all those qualities. With just 66,000 miles from new and only three keepers in its 42 years - the current one for 18 of those - it is both well preserved and highly usable. There are some minor cosmetic points to note, but none detract from the overall solidity. Regular, ongoing routine and preventative maintenance means it runs well and reportedly fault free. Inside there is a retrimmed interior with high end fittings including burr walnut veneers.

It recently achieved Historic Vehicle status so is usefully MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt. With few miles covered since the last advisory-free test, this much-loved car is in good health and ready to enjoy.

The History and Paperwork

Factory built according to records on 27th May 1982
Originally destined for Pakistan
Imported to UK and first registered here on 18th January 1984
Only three registered keepers since arriving in the UK
Current keeper since November 2006
Always garaged by current keeper
Regularly serviced and maintained by the same local independent garage since 2006
Current keeper is only selling due to lack of recent use
Registered as a Historic Vehicle in 2023 so MOt, tax and ULEZ exempt
Last MOT expired on 4th June 2023 with 61,130 miles showing on test and no advisories
Now showing 61,130 miles
Vendor advises that the odometer failed around 4 years ago and the true mileage is nearer 66,000 miles
Badged as a 500SEC but VIN records and vendor confirm this is a 380SEC
Fitted with a Sterling Touch immobiliser with PIN code
2 keys required to operate car due to recent replacement of ignition barrel
Recent work summarised below
Used regularly and without fault for trips across UK, Ireland and Europe
MOTs dating back to 2006 in history file

Recent work notified by seller:

Replacement exhaust
Rear discs and pads
New rear calipers
More powerful battery fitted
New fuel relays
Regular servicing maintenance by local independent mechanic
New heater relay unit fitted

The Condition

Finished in original factory red with generally well kept and original paintwork
Some marks and scratches typical of age and originality to be expected
Bodywork is solid and generally well kept with some localised deterioration note in photographs
This includes light bubbling to arches
Chromework in good condition and lights and glasswork similarly original and well kept
The underside and structure appear to be in good order with no advisories on last MOT
Factory ‘Mexican Hat’ alloy wheels in fair condition with older Michelin tyres fitted
Matching spare wheel and spare tyre with tool kit and jack
Well kept cream leather interior with seats showing little wear
The seats were retrimmed in 2006 in good quality materials
Well appointed interior with matching cream headlining and smart burr walnut veneers
Some aging and patina to interior as shown in photographs but not unsightly
Retains its factory correct Becker Mexico radio cassette system which works
We are informed that other than minor exceptions all the cabin equipment and electrics work correctly
Vendor advises that the speedometer works but the odometer does not as outlined above
Specification includes a tilt and slide sunroof which are informed does not leak
Car also has electric front seats
Some water ingress to boot and front rear footwells due to poor sealing
The buyer may wish to address this by replacing the relevant seals
The carpets appear original and generally well preserved but with light staining to boot area and rear driver side footwell

The Mechanics

3.8litre 200bhp M116 V8 engine with fuel injection
4spd automatic gearbox
Engine reported to run well and smoothly with no faults
Gearbox operates similarly, offering smooth changes and quick kick down
Regularly serviced and maintained by the same local independent garage since 2006
Low mileage car which is supported by MOT history but with odo advisory as above
Last MOT showed no advisories for mechanicals or running gear

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 deposit. 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.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]