1987 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL

Lot details
Registration No: D582VGC
Chassis No: WDB1260371A231904
Mot Expiry: April 2011

As the successor to the W116 range, the W126 Series was the second generation of flagship vehicles to bear the S-Class name, which stood for 'sonderklasse' or, in English, 'special class'. The initial line up of seven saloon versions (280 SE/SEL, 380 SE/SEL. 500SE/SEL and 300SD) was launched at the Frankfurt motorshow of 1979. Thanks to the use of lighter materials and a thorough wind tunnel testing programme (the drag coefficient was 0.36), the W126 S-Class was an altogether sleeker and more fuel efficient model than its predecessor. It also looked more contemporary - gone were the traditional chrome bumpers, to be replaced by deformable polyurethane items. The more sumptuous interior featured pleated leather for the doors and wood grain trim for the fascia and centre console. The new model also showcased a number Mercedes-Benz safety innovations, including: supplemental restraint systems for the airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and traction control. Later versions of the 4973cc all-alloy V8 found aboard the 500SEL produced 261 bhp and a substantial 299 lb ft of torque - sufficient output to sprint the standard car to 62mph in around 7.3 seconds; no mean performance for a car weighing over 1.5 tons. The powerplant drove through a four-speed automatic transmission. The suspension was independent by wishbones and coil springs at the front and semi-trailing arms and coils at the rear. Steering was by Mercedes-Benz own recirculating ball system. Braking was by discs all round; ventilated on the front. Cognisant of their typical clientele, the factory produced a specially modified W126 S-Class aimed at dignitaries and world leaders, the specification of which included bulletproof glass and armoured body panels.

The lefthand drive armoured 500SEL offered left the factory in 1987. It is finished in Nautic blue with blue velour trim. The comprehensive specification includes: cruise control, ABS, sunroof, Becker Mexico sound system, electric windows (an unusual feature to pair with the armoured package), air conditioning, heated seats all round, siren, a pair of wing-based flag mounts and a fire extinguisher. The car has recently benefited from a partial new exhaust system and is expected to have gained a new MOT by the time of the sale. This very special low mileage (the 22,442 registered is thought to be correct) Mercedes was previously owned by HH The Emir of Qatar and now represents a rare opportunity for anybody running a car hire company or security firm.

PLEASE NOTE: The mileage of this vehicle is not in km as originally stated.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle come direct from HH The Emir of Qatar's collection on diplomatic plates, but has since been registered with a V5/C.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has an MOT until April 2011.