1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL

Registration No: D26 SNS
Chassis No: WDB1260392A285757
MOT: April 2022

• Extensively restored over the past five years including a full respray by Paintology Ltd of Nottingham, automatic gearbox refurbishment by Oakdene Automotive Transmission and mechanical fettling by MercServe and Elm Tree Garage
• Attention paid to the brake, suspension, ignition and fuel systems not to mention an upgrade to the air conditioning plus new internal bulbs for the instrument cluster etc
• New front headlight wipers and arms, seat adjustment buttons, wood trims etc etc etc

Built to order number 0653778372 during September 1986, chassis 285757 was originally finished in Diamond Blue Metallic with Blue Velour upholstery. Specified with a Becker Mexico stereo, folding front armrest and rear footrests, the luxury saloon had covered some 100,000 miles by the time that the present registered keeper acquired it in 2016. Extensively restored over the past five years, work included a full bodywork refurbishment by Paintology Ltd of Nottingham, rejuvenated driver’s seat, factory replacement steering wheel, new interior wood (except the door cappings), fresh seat adjustment buttons and new internal bulbs for the instrument cluster etc. Riding on refurbished and powder coated alloy wheels shod with fresh tyres, ‘D26 SNS’ also gained new front indicator lenses and rear lights plus tinted windows and replacement headlight wiper arms / blades. Mechanically, the 560 SEL benefitted from an automatic gearbox overhaul by Oakdene Automotive Transmissions of Nottingham not to mention attention being paid to its brakes (pads, parking brake shoes, lines), fuel injection, ignition (uprated alternator, spark plugs / leads), fuel (pumps, lines), suspension (front shock absorbers, rear self-levelling hydraulics) and air-conditioning (new condensor radiator, conversion to current refrigerant gas). Said to have been ‘fully serviced by Mercserve and Elm Tree Garage of Nottingham using original parts supplied by Mertrux of Derby’, the Mercedes-Benz has only covered 3,000 miles or so since its rejuvenation. Given a thorough Lanoguard underbody treatment, this imposing 560SEL is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, history file and a ‘no advisories’ MOT certificate valid until April 2022.

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', it was not only lighter than its forebear but also 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. Current between 1985 and 1992, the flagship 560 SEL model was powered by a 5547cc SOHC V8 engine that developed an unfussed 296bhp and 336lbft of torque; outputs sufficient to propel the long wheelbase saloon from 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds and onto 155mph. Despite a price tag of £75,000 (equivalent to over £185,000 in today's money), the luxurious 560 SEL accounted for an impressive 75,071 sales with most being to left-hand drive specification.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737