In Brief:

• Original example of a W126 500 SEL
• Finished in Thistle Green over an Olive leather interior
• Just 1 owner from new
• To be sold as part of a deceased estate
• Outstanding history file - worth viewing in person

Auctioneer’s Notes:

A wonderfully original and increasingly collectible example of Mercedes-Benz’s flagship luxury saloon, this 1981 500 SEL is offered from just one owner from new and is being sold as part of a deceased estate. Finished in elegant Thistle Green over an Olive leather interior, it presents exactly as a carefully cherished W126 should, retaining a strong sense of originality throughout. With a huge accompanying history file, this is very much a car for the Mercedes enthusiast.

Maintenance & Condition:

The car has been well looked after throughout its life, with the Maintenance Booklet showing 14 service stamps recorded between 1982 at 6,162 miles and 2012 at 83,541 miles. A documented speedometer change at 24,000 miles confirms a current correct mileage of circa 99,000. A new battery has recently been fitted, and the car is supplied with no fewer than six original keys.

History:

Supplied new in 1981 and retained by the same owner ever since, this 500 SEL is accompanied by a truly outstanding history file. Included are the original Mercedes-Benz bookpack, old tax discs, previous V5s, original sales brochures, the original purchase order form from 1981, countless invoices for servicing and maintenance, old MOT certificates and much more. The bookpack itself contains the Owner’s Manual, European Dealership Directory, Radio Manual and the Maintenance Booklet, making this one of the best-documented W126s we have encountered.

The Model:

The W126-generation S-Class is widely regarded as one of Mercedes-Benz’s finest ever cars, combining timeless design, legendary build quality and cutting-edge safety and comfort features for its era. The 500 SEL sat near the top of the range, powered by a 5 litre V8 producing around 245 bhp. With its long-wheelbase “SEL” body, it offered exceptional comfort and refinement, making it the definitive executive express of the 1980s.

Sale Insight:

One-owner W126 V8s with this level of originality, documentation and provenance are now exceptionally hard to find. With it's elegant colour combination and extensive history file, this 500 SEL represents a rare opportunity to acquire a classic that offers both investment appeal and effortless, old-school Mercedes luxury.

Estimate:
No Reserve