Actor and director Bradley Cooper is the star of a short film that will spearhead a new brand campaign for Mercedes-Benz featuring the all-new G 580 with EQ Technology. The film showcases the essence of the G-Class through a dramatic action sequence and unites the adventure of driving the new model, whether traversing rugged terrain or city streets. It also highlights the boundless capability of the off-road icon and underscores the vision of empowering individuals to purse their own path without fear of failure. The Hollywood superstar – a passionate G-Class driver for years – attended the world premiere event in Los Angeles. The premiere was accompanied with a product campaign launch and continues for market launch. Continue reading
Category: Mercedes-Benz (Page 2 of 12)
Classic Big Body Benz
VIN | WDBCA39D9GA223464 |
Exterior | Astral Silver Metallic [735U] |
Interior | Royal Blue Leather [272] |
Motor | 5.5-liter M117 V8 rated at 238 hp |
Gearbox | 4-Speed automatic |
The Basics | • His & hers family ownership • 60,700 miles • Stamped maintenance booklet • Freshly serviced |
THE PINNACLE OF AN AUTOMOTIVE ICON
If the 80s were about affluence, power and opulence, there were few cars better suited to express it than the W126 S-Class. It was big. It was luxurious. It was sleek. But it was also smart. Safe. And as the tagline stated at the time, engineered like no other car in the world. In short, it was uncompromising. It was the Flagship of the Mercedes-Benz product line, commanding a sticker price of over $65,000. With an incredible 12-year production run, no S-Class before or since has captured the essence of what it means to be a flagship for longer. It continues to be used in film and popular culture as the iconic Big-body Benz and doesn’t get much argument when referred to as classic. By the end of its production run in 1991, refinements—in styling, safety, appointments and mechanicals—led to the best of the breed. The flagship 560 SEL still evokes power and panache like few cars throughout history. The 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL presented here is a perfect example of that. It’s been loved and revered by its two family owners to remain a statement of elegance and prestige, but with a classic presence that simply cannot be found in today’s luxury cars.
HISTORY
This Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL was purchased new at Rallye Motors in Glen Cove, New York in 1986 by an investment banker in Scarsdale. This car was bought for his wife, but at the same time he purchased a new Arctic White 560 SEL for himself. At the time, the 560 SEL cost nearly $55,000 for an outlay of $110,000 or so (around $320,000 today). In the Gordon Gecko ’80s, this was … good. The wife drove the car for 20 years, amassing just under 60,000 miles until her passing in 2006. The husband kept the car stored in the garage with what appears to be be very little driving until his passing in October of 2023. His longtime mechanic the acquired both this car and the Arctic White one from the estate. This Astral Silver 560 SEL is now being sold for the first time since it left the Rallye Motors lot.
OVERALL CONDITION
Because the W126 SEL was so drivable, it stands to reason that many SELs were driven. And driven. And driven. While it’s true that 560 SELs—like any Mercedes-Benz—have legendary durability, finding one with less than 100K miles is somewhat rare. The one listed here is not only a low-mileage example, with less than 61,000 documented miles, but as a testament to its attention to preservation, it retains a complete stamped maintenance booklet. Further exemplifying a properly maintained Mercedes-Benz, it’s had a fresh 60,000 mi. scheduled maintenance. It has all the prerequisites:
- It has the original Becker Grand Prix audio system
- It has a complete set of manuals
- It has an up-to-date, stamped maintenance book
- It matches its data card
The car is presented in a classic, tasty combination of Cabernet Red over Palomino leather. Paint, while not original, is in the original color and is deep with high gloss. The bumper was patched and repainted after a minor collision. Absolutely no other damage was sustained. There are some very minor scratched on the hood and trunk lid, and one small shopping cart ding on the right fender. Otherwise the body is exceptionally straight. Brightwork is a mirror finish with no pitting. Original glass is excellent all the way around. Mechanically, it’s a pleasure to drive. It idles smooth, pulls away strong, no engine vibration. There are no leaks, no smoke and no unusual smells. Shifting is clean and silky. There’s none of the lurching that is typical of more tired cars. Braking is superb, sure and straight. The interior is in near perfect condition. Seats are firm with very little wear on the leather. Dash is perfect with no cracks or warping. The Zebrano wood retains a deep polish and shows only minor crackling on the shifter console. Carpets are supple and fresh. All instruments work, including the clock. The trunk is clean with excellent fit and finish. The headliner is clean with no tears or stains. The car has a full set of books and two sets of keys, along with a complete, unmolested first aid kit. It’s everything a 420 SEL should be.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
The 560 SEL—especially one in this condition—is still perfectly at home in just about any environment where style and grace meet suave and sexy. The first thing you’ll notice is the comfort. Seats are firm and supportive yet comfortable enough for all-day touring. Next you’ll grab the large, leather-wrapped steering wheel and turn the key as the 5.5 liter V8 comes to life. Put the car in drive and the car accelerates with steady power, which is considerable by 1986 standards. It’s not neck-snapping by any means but plenty strong with a wide power band for excellent drivability at moderate speeds. The ride is solid, smooth and quiet. It has a road feel that is lost in modern cars, yet it’s unmistakably a luxury car. In short, it’s a Mercedes-Benz.
I’m happy to answer any questions, present offers, or arrange a showing to serious buyers. I welcome international bidders and novice bidders, but PLEASE contact me prior to bidding. Your bid will be automatically declined otherwise.
AFFALTERBACH/NARDÒ (August 28, 2024) – Mercedes-AMG is commencing the final phase in the development of the highly exclusive PureSpeed sports car, which celebrated its world premiere as a concept vehicle in Monaco in May 2024. Prototypes of the limited-run model are currently undergoing test drives. It starts on a variety of different roads in northern Italy before heading south to the high-speed test track in Nardò. The radical design, a completely open, two‑seater performance car with neither roof nor windscreen, is a homage to racing and must prove itself on this test program over a total of more than 3,000 kilometers. Continue reading
ATLANTA (August 26, 2024) – The new 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV sets itself apart from the competition and the benchmark in its class by offering an impressive 54 miles of all-electric range, according to EPA certification1. The vehicle is now available at U.S. dealerships starting from $59,9002. Continue reading
Stuttgart/Pebble Beach. The Mercedes‑Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series is the sportiest model in the Maybach brand’s history. Also new is the uniquely cohesive combination of colors and materials for the exterior and interior, with the Maybach pattern as a linking design element. These special accents appear throughout, from front to rear, inside and out. There will be two curated design concepts for the open-top two-seater at market launch: The Mercedes‑Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series Red Ambience is characterized by a new two-tone paint finish of obsidian black metallic over MANUFAKTUR garnet red metallic. In the Mercedes‑Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series White Ambience, obsidian black metallic contrasts with MANUFAKTUR opalite white magno. The exceptionally brilliant red and the elegant white both embody sensuality, beauty and lightness. They perfectly express the philosophy and driving experience of the new model. Other exterior colors are possible upon specific customer request. The interior features sustainably tanned, crystal white MANUFAKTUR Exclusive nappa leather and trim parts in gleaming silver chrome. Market rollout starts in Europe in spring 2025, with other markets to follow. Continue reading
AFFALTERBACH (August 19, 2024) – This year, Mercedes-AMG is celebrating 130 Years of Motorsport under the sign of the three-pointed star. The chronological reference for the motor racing anniversary is the first automotive competition, which led from Paris to Rouen on 22 July 1894 and ended with a victory for the Daimler licensed engine. To mark this historic milestone, the limited Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport celebrates its world premiere under the motto “Racing Legend Remastered” at the Automotive Week in Pebble Beach (California, USA). The highly exclusive edition of the GT3 car unites two iconic eras of motorsport. State-of-the-art motorsport technology meets traditional design features of the legendary racing cars of the 1950s. With 680 hp, the non-homologated special model is the most powerful GT3 vehicle ever built in Affalterbach. It is also the last Mercedes-AMG GT3 version to be powered by a naturally aspirated engine. The exclusive edition is being offered worldwide as a collector’s item in a limited edition of just 13 vehicles. Continue reading
MONTEREY, Calif. (August 8, 2024) – At Pebble Beach Automotive Week 2024, Mercedes-Benz offers a diverse brand experience, with the world premiere of the new Mercedes-Maybach SL among numerous highlights from the brand. Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH also celebrates historic victories from 130 years of motorsport and presents a selection of rare, significant vehicles for this special event. Continue reading
STUTTGART/TROON (July 16, 2024) – Mercedes-Benz celebrates the start of The 152nd Open in iconic manner: Ahead of the first tee-off, the defending champion brings the iconic golf trophy back to The Open for the ‘Return of the Claret Jug’ in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle. Brian Harman, winner of the The 151st Open, drove to Troon this year in the new electric G-Class and handed over the Claret Jug to Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A (The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews), which organizes the Championship. Continue reading
STUTTGART (July 16, 2024) – Mercedes-Benz thrilled audiences with a historic parade at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. The “Blue Wonder” racing car fast transporter, who led the 130 Years Motorsport Convoy, was very popular with visitors to the “largest motorized garden party in the world” as well as on social media. Continue reading
AFFALTERBACH (July 11, 2024) – Mercedes-AMG unveiled the newest addition to the AMG GT lineup at the Goodwood Festival of Speed – the new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+. Agile response to driver input and heightened overall performance provide an even sportier driving experience, including on the racetrack. Increased power, aerodynamic fine tuning and enhanced cooling contribute to coupe’s exceptional driving dynamics and faster lap times. Continue reading