Highlights
- Handsome exterior restoration in 2019
- Garage stored under a protective cover
- Excellent history file
- Interesting provenance
The Appeal
The 126-series was Mercedes’ internal designation for the second generation of the S-Class line-up. The sort of big coupe that CEOs, venture capitalists and country club presidents drove - but time hasn’t been kind to big coupes. In a world obsessed with SUVs and crossovers, the two-door has faded away almost completely. So as pretty as the pillarless C126 is, they are artefacts of a world gone by, and it truly is a shame to have to admit.
This particular example has undergone an exterior restoration, presenting itself in extremely handsome condition, with only 4 careful and loving owners since then it has lived a life some of us could only wish for. These large and opulent coupes are unarguably modern classics, filled to the brim with top of the line toys of the era, rivalling those worth as much as houses.
The History and Paperwork
- Originally purchased by Arkel Films Limited on behalf of the companies owner Mr. Robert Paynter (see, we told you these big coupes were for the heavy hitters) in August of 1988 at the cost of £46,995
- Mr. Robert Paynter was a famous cinematographer, contacted by Michael Jackson to work on the world-famous ‘Thriller’ music video
- The vehicle stayed in the possession of Mr. Paynter until his death in 2010, where it was bequeathed to his grandson, Mr. Mark Chadwick
- In 2011, Mr. Chadwick felt that he could not afford to keep such a vehicle at the time, and so decided to sell the car on to its next careful owner, who still keeps excellent custodianship of the car to this very day
- The vehicle has undergone regular and frequent maintenance and repair, all of the receipts remain available for the work undertaken over the years
- In August of 2019, the vehicle underwent a large overhaul by Lawton Prestige, including a major service, full exterior bodywork restoration and repainting, as well as extensive interior cleaning coming to an eye-watering total of £11,739
- Vehicle has been dry stored in a garage and under a protective cover when not in use
- Regularly driven on short journeys to ensure good mechanical performance
- The V5C is present and ready for transfer of ownership
The Interior
- Original Pebble leather interior, handsomely presented in excellent condition throughout
- Both front seats are in wonderful original condition with very little signs of use, the leather remains virtually crease-free with only a couple on the driver side bolster, and the stitching all remains intact as does all of the piping
- Front door cards are very nicely kept, the leatherwork shows no signs of age and the electronic seat controls remain functional
- Original steering wheel in handsome condition showing no signs of any damage
- Gauge cluster remains completely functional and easy to read, showing no signs of any unwelcome warning signs
- Dashboard is free from damage and cracks
- Wooden veneer panels all remain in excellent shape with no delamination present, the only fault we can find is a small crack beside the window switch for the driver side rear window just behind the gear selector
- Original carpets are present and in great condition, with no signs of any rips or tears throughout
- Rear seats are excellent with almost no signs of any use
- Headlining in great form with no sagging or damage present
- Modern Kenwood stereo system fitted in 2016
- Heated front seats
The Exterior
- Pajettrot Metallic red paintwork presented in excellent condition throughout, with seemingly no signs of any damage or scratches we can spot
- Brightwork appears in very well maintained condition thanks to the restoration work carried out in 2019, the only piece of brightwork found with any damage is the long strip across the bootlid which we’re told is original, due to being unable to find a replacement during restoration. It should be noted that the nick in the brightwork here is tiny!
- Front headlights remain excellent with no damage to be seen, and are completely functional along with the small wiper arms
- Original 15-hole alloys presented nicely with no unwelcome kerb marks or damage, all shod in Bridgestone tyres
- All four arches are presented with no visible damage or stone chips
- The lower portion of the car finished in grey all remains excellently kept with no apparent damage throughout
- All of the window seals look good with no signs of drying out
- Engine bay and underside exceptionally well presented
- Electric sliding roof with tilting function
The Mechanics
- 5-litre V8 M117 petrol engine, reportedly in excellent health with no known mechanical issues present
- 242hp output with 400 Nm of torque
- Rear-wheel drive configuration
- 4-speed automatic transmission reported to be in good mechanical condition, with smooth gear shifts and no unwelcome whining under load
- MOT history appears good with intermittent failures which were immediately rectified and passed
- Current MOT remains valid until the 27th of August of 2023
- Steering reportedly remains good, being able to manoeuvre the car with ease and no unwelcome knocks coming from the suspension components
- Braking remains strong and does not unsettle the balance of the vehicle under heavy application
Summary
The 500 SEC is an outstanding classic from the German marque, and unfortunately does not receive the praise and admiration that it truly deserves. A wonderfully opulent machine fit for royalty, and becoming an increasingly rare sight, this Benz would make for an excellent collection addition for someone looking to fill that void that only a handsome pillarless coupe could.
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