Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

The Mercedes-Benz W126 S-Class saloon was launched in 1979 as the company's flagship model to replace the outgoing W116 line.

Styled by Bruno Sacco and six years in development, 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. Turning the scales at just 1,760kgs, the 5.6-litre version could return up to 28mpg as long as the driver kept control of their right foot. It also pioneered many safety features that we now take for granted such as air bags, anti-lock brakes, seatbelt pretensioners, computer designed crumple zones and traction control.

A monument to Teutonic engineering excellence, it remained in production for 12 years and no self-respecting African dictator would be seen in anything less. Pick of the range was undoubtedly the mighty 560SEL with an all-alloy 5.6-litre V8 engine producing 272bhp and 317lb/ft of torque – sufficient to whisk the car to 150mph. Rated as one of the best and safest cars in the world, its natural environment was the outside lane of the autobahn where its immense performance and utter stability at speed won it many fans amongst the German industrial plutocracy.

This 1990 model was first registered to an Arab Sheik who had specified plush velour upholstery rather than the usual calf-skin on religious grounds. He had also paid for front and rear Motorola phones (now converted for a modern SIM card), an option that automatically deleted the obligatory champagne cooler that was normally located in the rear armrest. Passing through a number of owners, it was sold in 2002 to a gentleman in Melbourne Derbyshire for £6,800 having covered just 52,000 miles.

The car joined the vendor’s fleet in 2004 with 54,000 miles on the odometer and was soon put to use for its intended purpose – crossing Continents. Regularly visiting his properties in Italy and Switzerland, the mileage soon racked-up.

He fitted a £1,000 stainless steel exhaust shortly after purchase and at 95,000 miles commissioned a comprehensive top-end overhaul which was undertaken by David Harper of Western Garage in Oswestry. On production of the £4,000 bill, he informed the vendor that the car would probably outlive him!

All subsequent (regular) care and maintenance has been taken care of by Chester-based Independent Mercedes-Benz specialists M D Services whose head technician had served for 30 years as the service manager at the local Mercedes main agents.

Wanting for nothing over the years, as its mileage approached the 200,000 mile mark the owner decided that it needed a spruce-up, sending the car to VAG approved body-shop Fix Autos in Oswestry. They fitted a new pair of front wings, repaired the doors and fitted new rear wheel arches, professionally repainting the car as required.

Most recently the original Mercedes-Benz alloy wheels have been refurbished, the car now looking much as it did when acquired back in 2004.

Although this mighty beast has now covered a shade over 206,000 miles, it still performs beautifully, effortlessly munching the miles as it wafts along. Offered here at no reserve, it is MOTd until June 2016 and will no doubt continue to transport its owner in the lap of luxury for many years to come. 

AMENDMENT; Bidders are advised that the registration number shown in the catalogue is NOT included in the sale. The vendor has begun the plate transfer process but the new V5 has not yet come back from the DVLA.