Launched in 1981 the Mercedes Benz 500 SEC C126 is derived from the Mercedes flagship S-Class range but with an individually designed pillar-less body styled by Bruno Sacco.

The 500 SEC represents the perfect grand-touring car or cruiser and despite it’s size it isn’t too heavy and is more fuel-efficient than you might think. Sharing the S-Class developments, it offers sleek styling, improved aerodynamics, ride quality and handling. It is also features innovative technologies including drivetrain developments, safety systems and cabin equipment. 

First registered on the 1st August 1988, this 500 SEC began life in south west London and then resided in the Middlesex and Essex areas during the 1990’s until venturing south to Dorset in 2004.

The registered owner, who is a bodyshop specialist, then acquired it in 2017 and set about preparing and respraying it in the original Mercedes black. We believe he may have also added the OZ alloy wheels and the tinted window film - which can be easily removed if you wish. The car hasn’t been on the road for the last two or three years and as a consequence is now being offered for sale by the registered owners vendor friend.     

We should point out, that despite the badge on the boot lid, this is not an AMG!

A few V5 documents come with this Mercedes indicating several changes of registration numbers to personal plates over the years. An HPI certificate from 2000 also shows these. 

Looking online, the last ‘Pass’ MOT was carried out in October 2019 at 163,982 miles and so this Mercedes has therefore only covered 114 miles since. Some paper MOT copies are also present and the car is currently on SORN.

Regular servicing and maintenance is essential for the long-life of these cars and happily this example comes with the original and comprehensive Mercedes service book which has 22 stamps from Mercedes-Benz authorised service workshops or latterly, Mercedes-Benz specialists. A number of servicing receipts are also included (see photos).

The simple but stylish interior is essentially the same as the S-Class and features burr-walnut wood trim and black leather upholstery. Whilst fully intact, the interior is now showing it’s age with signs of damage to the wood trim and some scuffs and wear to the seats. The headlining is also sagging. The door trims, rear side trims and carpeting are generally fine. 

Once in the comfortable drivers seat, it appears that the instrumentation cluster has seen some ingress of damp, but the vendor informs us that the gauges operate correctly with the exception of the digital clock.

As you would expect, the specification list is impressive and includes an adjustable steering wheel with airbag, cruise control, central locking, electric seats, climate control and electric windows. All four windows operate but are a little sluggish.     

The massive boot will definitely hold the golf clubs and more. The carpeting is a little tired and there is some surface rust visible in the spare wheel bay although it seems solid. The vendor has told us that he will supply a standard spare wheel. 

The degree of de-chroming, later front indicator covers, tinted windows and alloy OZ wheels on this Merc add a touch of customisation creating a ‘mean’ street machine look.

Having been resprayed a few years ago, the glossy black paintwork on this imposing cruiser generally looks the biz and the body is largely ding-free and straight other than a small dent on the nearside front wing. There are a few signs of bubbling most notably towards the rear of the bonnet, just below the nearside rear passenger window and on the de-chromed bumpers.

The iconic front grille has been cut (for a previous air-intake?), and although not perfect, the side trim, mirrors and glass are satisfactory and in fact a new windscreen was installed in 2017. The innovative door handles and rear ribbed lights (both designed to displace dirt) are also fine.

Lastly, there are some kerb scuffs to the wheel rims and underneath there are a few visible rust spots on the floor, but not being on ramps, this was hard to properly access during the photoshoot.

Venturing under the bonnet, the all-aluminium, naturally aspirated Daimler-Benz engine and bay looks pretty much factory standard. From new, this classic 4,973cc V8, offering Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection, was said to produce 261bhp, reach 0-60 in around 7 seconds with a top speed of 140mph.

This engine appears to start easily without any obvious drama and although slightly clonky, the gear selection is acceptable. We didn’t notice any significant oil leaks or exhaust smoke and the vendor assures us that the oil pressure is at least 45psi when warm and the coolant temperature is good. On the road the 4-speed automatic transmission is said to operate smoothly and the power steering feels acceptably tight. 

We are also assured that the independent coil springs and front and rear anti-roll bars do their job well and the ABS brakes operate effectively with the addition of the relatively new front Brembo calipers and new rears.

The vendor advises that due to it’s lack of recent use, this 500 SEC will need some re-commissioning plus a new MOT and tax.     

Naturally this repainted and tidy 34 year old example will require a little TLC, but as the large history file confirms, it appears to have been well maintained throughout it’s life. A Mercedes V8 should run forever if maintained properly. Most mechanical parts are shared with the W126 range and there are numerous independent Mercedes specialist out there to help.    

  

As modern classics go, this sought after 500 SE Coupe takes some beating and for the Mercedes-Benz enthusiast experiencing that intoxicating V8 sound and performance is enough to be hooked.