1990 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC

AMENDMENT

A smart example of this top-spec Teutonic cruiser; much recent expenditure including new Pirelli tyres all round, new rear brake discs and pads, new suspension spheres etc 

Launched in 1981 and staying in production until 1991, the W126 Series of Mercedes pillarless coupes - or SECs, as they are known - rapidly achieved a cult following. Massively well built, elegant and authoritative with great street presence, demand so far exceeded supply that a thriving grey market grew up to cope.

Available in 380, 420, 500 and 560 versions, the SEC was packed with novel technical and luxury options. These included airbags, traction control, ABS, electric seatbelts, courtesy lights on the underside of the doors and powered heated seats with a memory function. Although many of these features are commonplace today, they seemed like science fiction in the early 1980s and it’s no wonder that the W126 was voted ‘Safest car in the world’ at launch.

Cream of the crop was undoubtedly the 560SEC which came out in 1986 and was powered by a magnificent 5.6-litre 16-valve V8 that produced 275bhp and 317 lb/ft of torque – sufficient for a 0-60 sprint in just 7 seconds and a top speed of 150mph. Amazingly, in fully specified form, the 560 cost twice as much as the 500SEC when new!

Supplied new to its fortunate first owner in August 1990, this top-spec Benz must have been a rare sight on UK roads as very few 560SECs were sold here. Finished in Nautic Blue with full light grey leather and walnut trim inside, the car looks to be well optioned with electric memory seats, automatic electric seat belt butlers, sunroof, air con, two-tone town and country horns, cruise control, electric rear blind, front and rear arm rests and heated seats.

Invoices show that over £3,800 was spent on the car earlier this year which included: four new Pirelli tyres; all four wheels refurbished; new battery; new under-bonnet felt; new starter motor; new distributor; new suspension spheres; new boot carpet and rear floor mats. New parts were also purchased from Dronsfields to fix the sunroof which are currently in the boot but have yet to be fitted so it is not yet working or fitting correctly.

Most recently it had new ball joints and new rear brake discs and pads to address some MOT failure points although there are no bills for these items. The current MOT runs until July 2023.

As you can see in the photos, the car looks very sound and presentable with just a few minor cosmetic blemishes here and there, although we did note that the passenger side window has come loose and needs to be held in place to close properly.

On offer here at a sensible guide price to reflect the remedial works required, this rare and powerful 560SEC comes from the era of 'peak Benz' and will turn heads wherever it goes. 

AMENDMENT: An online check of the MOT history shows mileage discrepancies so the indicated mileage cannot be warranted.

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com

Reg No: H355JLD
Chassis Number: WDB1260452A530032
Engine Number: 115791
Engine Size: 5547cc
Docs: V5C; MOT July 2023; invoices

Sale Section & Buyers Premium (ex VAT): Car 12%, Minimum £150

Estimate: £11,500-13,000