9th Apr, 2025 12:00

Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire

 
Lot 145
 

1981 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL
No Reserve

Sold for £2,531

(including buyers premium)


Lot details

Registration No: AGJ 999W
Chassis No: WDB12603722009743
MOT: Exempt

  • Lovingly kept between the ownership of just two families before purchased by the vendor in 2015
  • Just 91,500 from new on the odometer
  • Original book pack including main dealer stamped service book and owner’s manual
  • Finished in Golden Sand paintwork with rare Red leather interior upholstery
  • Range topping model when new!

Introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1979, the new W126 S-class was a quantifiable improvement over its W116 predecessor. Lauded by the contemporary motoring press as the 'best car in the world' Car and Driver said 'Its effect is almost druglike, and anyone who appreciates fine automo­biles will want one fix after another.' (Car and Driver July 1987). It was lighter than its forebear and offered an improved ride and sharper handling. Styled by Bruno Sacco, its sleek silhouette hid all-round independent suspension, disc brakes, power-assisted steering and a range of powerful all-alloy V8 engines (later supplemented by more fuel-efficient straight-sixes). Beloved by heads of state, captains of industry and celebrities alike, the W126 remains sought after to this day thanks to its impeccable build quality and timeless lines. The 500 SEL was the range-topping example until the introduction of the 560 SEL in 1985. The V8 engined 500 had double timing chains, proving much more reliable than the 380 V8s single.

‘AGT 999W’ was manufactured in 1981 and supplied new to the United Kingdom being road registered on the 4th of June that year. A range-topping 500SEL when new, it was finished from the factory in Golden Sand paintwork with contrasting and rare Red leather interior upholstery, and was specified from new with automatic climate control, cruise control, semi-active roll stabilisation, off-road package, undershields, rear back rest adjustments and head restraints, heated rear window, and green tinted glass. Retained in the ownership of just two families until purchased by the vendor in 2015, at this time the Mercedes had covered 78,000 miles. Well used by the vendor over the following ten years, the SEL is offered now having covered just 91,500 miles from new. Supplied with the original book pack with stamped service book illustrating numerous stamps by Hughes of Beaconsfield, the SEL is understood to be highly original vehicle and is accompanied by the original tool kit, and is temptingly offered without reserve!

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452

 

Auction: Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire, 9th Apr, 2025

An auction of classic, collector and performance motorcars to be held at the iconic and visually stunning Imperial War Museum, Duxford. Venue Details 

To enquire about entering your classic or performance car into the auction please call our sales office on 01925 210035, email sales@HandH.co.uk or click here: Enter Your Classic Motorcar 

All our professional valuations are complimentary and without obligation.

To take part in the live online bidding please click 'Register to Bid | Sign In' at the top of the page, alternatively, bidding can take place via our auction partners at Saleroom.com Saleroom.com

 

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Tues 8th April from 1pm
Wed 9th April from 9am

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All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.

You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:

               

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If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.

If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035

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