Mercedes-Benz 500SEC

Oozing road presence and subdued aggression, the Mercedes-Benz W126 S-Class saloon was launched in 1979 as the company's flagship model to replace the outgoing W116 line. Beautifully styled by Bruno Sacco, the aim was to produce a car that was sleeker and more aerodynamic than the previous model. The application of lighter materials and alloys combined with thorough wind tunnel testing meant the car consumed about 10% less fuel than its predecessor. It was also packed with advanced safety features for the time, such as airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, traction control and ABS brakes.

In 1981 an even more menacing two-door coupe version was launched with an all-alloy 5-litre V8 engine producing 265bhp and 300lb/ft of torque - sufficient to whisk the car to a rock steady 155mph. Rated as one of the best and safest cars in the world, its natural environment was the outside lane of the German autobahn where its immense performance and utter stability at speed won it many devoted fans. Subtly improved over time, it remained in production until 1991 when it was replaced by the much frumpier W140 Series.

Looking particularly moody in Blue Black with a Mushroom leather interior, this very late May 1990 registered Coupe was taken in part exchange by local Merecedes SL specialists, The SL Shop. Formerly owned by a Mercedes-Benz Club member, the car has covered some 161,300 miles but has a massive service history comprising no fewer than 28 stamps to date plus a huge file of receipts.

SL Shop boss, Sam Bailey, states that “it is one of the best driving SECs we have ever experienced and feels quicker than a 560 we had in recently.” With photos of a bare metal repaint on file, it is also packed with luxury options including air conditioning, cruise control, electric heated memory seats, electric steering column, electric sunroof and a DAB stereo system. MOTd until December, it looks like the perfect motorway mile muncher and is being offered here entirely without reserve. Someone could grab a bargain!