HIGHLIGHTS

Low-mileage 380SE
One owner until 2017
Absolutely immaculate throughout
Incredible history file

THE APPEAL

The W126 S-Class was the second generation of the brand’s flagship luxury saloon, following on from the W116 generation that had set a benchmark for the model as the best executive car in the world.

Based on the same platform, but with a more dynamic suspension set-up and better economy, the W126 was styled by Mercedes's legendary designer Bruno Sacco and was conceived to be more aerodynamic, yet just as large and stately as its predecessor. As such, it was one of the first cars to be aerodynamically developed in a wind tunnel.

It was revealed at the 1979 Frankfurt Motor Show in both short and long wheelbase options, with a choice of six-cylinder and V8 engines. It continued until 1991, when the W140 S-Class appeared, billed as the world's most technologically advanced car at the time. It may have been, but the W126 was – and is – a more stately car. Old-fashioned and grand, yet eminently usable it’s great modern-era classic that deserves every single one of the plaudits levelled at it over the years.

This one is a stunner – an early car dating from 1982, with an incredible history. The first owner was Building Contractors’ business, which purchased the car new in June 1982. The business owner then registered the car in his own name in November 1982 so technically became the second owner. He retained the car until he passed away in 2013, when the mileage was just 28,079. The car was rarely used and garaged by his family until they sold it to a dealer in 2017. During this period the car covered just 533 mile. The vendor bought the in 2019 with mileage at 29,688 and it has covered just over 1,000 miles since.

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

UK V5C
MOT until November 2023
Recently given historic vehicle status – now tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt
Massive history folder
Lots of old MOTs
Many historic invoices and receipts
Documented mileage log
Every MOT and road tax disc from new
Original manuals and handbooks

THE INTERIOR

Lovely Dark Tan velour and cloth upholstery
Interior described by the vendor as in “showroom condition”
No marks or tears on the upholstery
Driver’s seat bolster is in excellent condition
Excellent carpets - covered by a made to measure set of rubber mats since new
All dials work as intended
Mahogany finish dash inserts are clean and bright, giving the car a fresh look.
The parcel shelf looks like new as do its the two compartment – the first aid kit is unused
Nets on the rear of the front seats also look like new and have not been stretched or damaged
Electric windows and mirrors
Sunroof
Original Blaupunkt radio-cassette
Boot areas is bone dry with excellent carpet
Unused spare wheel, jack, toolkit and warning triangle

THE EXTERIOR

Two-tone Thistle Green over Pewter
Stunning overall order
Superb underneath and never welded
Unmarked Mexican Hat alloys
Chrome trim and badges in good order
Chrome is in superb condition throughout - very bright, no rust
Perfect wheel arches and sills
Four recent tyres

THE MECHANICS

3.8-litre V8
Four-speed auto transmission
Starts, runs and idles beautifully
Immaculate under-bonnet presentation
Battery inhibitor
Vendor reports that the car drives perfectly with no known faults
The vehicle has ABS breaking and PAS - Power steering

SUMMARY

If you want a usable classic that has a wonderful mixture of both retro and cool about it, then the W126 is the perfect choice. Old enough to be classed as historic but refined and luxurious enough to feel entirely usable, the big Benz is a great choice of luxury transport.

This is a fabulous example of a truly luxurious retro car that you can happily use every day, but moreover it has to be one of the best and lowest mileage examples of the pre-facelift W126 on the market. It’s an absolute stunner.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.

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