Mercedes-Benz 500SEC Coupe

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Ten years and over $1bn in development time and costs, the W140 Series Mercedes was finally launched in 1991 and introduced innovations such as double-pane window glazing, power-assisted closing for doors and boot lid, electric windows which lowered back down upon encountering an obstruction and a heating system which, if desired, continued to emit warm air after the engine was turned off.

For details like this, the W140 is often known as the last Mercedes to be 'over-engineered', a Mercedes trait that was costing the company in product delays and over-budgeting. Available as either a saloon or a coupe, it came with a choice of engines ranging from a 2.8-litre straight-six to a mighty 6-litre V12 which produced 389bhp and 428lb/ft of torque. It remained in production until 1999 having had a minor styling face-lift in 1994.

Dating from September 1993, this SEC Coupe has the 5-litre 32-valve V8 which produces 322bhp and 354lb/ft, sufficient for a 0-60 time of just 7 seconds and effortless cruising at close to 150mph. It has covered around 130,000 miles but comes with no history and a Category C insurance claim (damaged, repairable) due to rear bumper damage in March 2013 (since repaired) hence the bargain basement estimate.

The vendor states that the car is in “fantastic condition both inside and out and it drives beautifully with all the luxuries you would expect in a car like this including air con, electric sunroof, windows and mirrors”. Recently fitted with two new tyres and with an MOT until November 2016, it has a full leather interior in Navy blue hide. Due to be driven some 50 miles to the sale it looks excellent value, especially when you consider that it cost £80,000 when new.

P.S. Please note that as the catalogue went to press this car developed an electrical fault so it will be sold as a non-runner and will need to be trailered away from the sale.

AMENDMENT - Revised Estimate: No Reserve