NEW LISTING: Single Family Owned 61,000-mile 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL

Classic Big Body Benz

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.