Mercedes-Benz 300SEL Saloon

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Mercedes unveiled its W126 S-Class saloon at the 1979 Frankfurt Motor Show.

A master class in automotive engineering, the new ‘Sonder Klasse’ was the result of some five years planning and development, and the model was built to ensure the German uber-manufacturer’s dominance of the luxury car market.

There were three models in the initial line-up. The 280SE powered by a 2.8-litre in-line six cylinder, and the 380SE and 500SE, powered by 3.8 and 5-litre all-alloy V8s respectively. A long wheel-base version, the SEL, was also available. An SEC coupe was added to the range in 1981.

The S-Class’s four-speed automatic grearbox (also used by Porsche) was equipped with a ‘topographical’ sensor capable of monitoring the car’s position and incline, as well as throttle pitch. The transmission could then reduce acceleration on a downhill and maintain position without the use of the brake pedal.

From 1986 anti-lock brakes were fitted as standard and the big saloon was subtly redesigned, especially in regard to aerodynamics, to improve both economy and performance. A new 3-litre six-cylinder 300SE/SEL was also introduced. With 185bhp and 192lb ft on tap, the 300 was capable of reaching 60 in approximately 10 seconds with a top speed of 130mph.

This 1989 Mercedes 300 SEL has been owned by the current keeper since February 2007. He informs us that it has been serviced annually since he bought it, the most recent being carried out at 115,000 miles when four new tyres were fitted, although there is no documentation with the vehicle to substantiate its service history. An LPG tank is fitted in the boot but the vendor has never felt inclined to use this and is uncertain whether it works or not. Supplied with two keys, the odometer now reads 120,000 miles and the car is MOTd until June 2015, taxed until the end of December 2014 and looks great in gold with red velour interior.

The quality and engineering of these undervalued cars cannot be overstressed. Comfortable and capable in modern traffic, they are eminently suited to long distance motoring, especially so on this long wheelbase version which offers even more leg-room to its rear seat passengers.