1990 Mercedes-Benz 420SEC

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Perhaps the most elegant Mercedes of the 80s, and one of the marque’s iconic models, the SEC is undoubtedly a wonderful grand touring coupé. However, today, it is increasingly difficult to find one in good structural and mechanical condition. Most we see are effectively restoration projects, even if superficially they don’t look too bad.

This 1990 420SEC is finished in Almandine Red metallic with Mushroom leather interior. It was very well specified with electric rear blind, heated/electric seats, two-tone horn and central storage box along with the usual air conditioning, cruise control and other amenities listed in full below.

Since acquiring this nice, unmolested, low-owner SEC we have carried out a substantial overhaul.

The engine has been completely rebuild by ourselves, replacing all bearings, gaskets, valve guides, injectors and timing chain. The transmission and air conditioning have been serviced and the brakes have been refreshed with new calipers.

While the rear parcel shelf under the rear window (the SEC’s well know rust trap) appeared good and original, we removed the rear screen and replaced the panel work, eradicating all rust, before refitting the screen with a new rubber. We have photos of the work too.

We have been through the rest of the car and addressed any area that required attention and the full list of works is included in the history file.

The bodywork is in excellent condition with no corrosion and gleaming Almandine paintwork. There is no corrosion to the vulnerable bumper chromes and the wheels are freshly refurbished with new tyres on the front.

The interior is completely original, unrestored and in very nice condition with lovely supple leather and unfaded woodwork. Everything works (seat-belt butlers, blind etc.) and it still has its original MB over mats.

The underside is in excellent order with no corrosion and a recently replaced, genuine MB exhaust system.

Full service history with 28 services recorded, the majority of which are MB main dealer. All original books/manuals are with the car along with the service book. The car is HPI clear and has no advisories on its MoT.

As you might imagine we drive a lot of these cars and after 30 years there’s quite a variance in how they feel; many are very tired. This example, by contrast, is a joy on the road. It is tight, refined and eager to accelerate. It is, in essence, a well sorted car that, on a fast, flowing A-road, confirms how enjoyable a good SEC can be.

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Option Codes

256 – Rear axle with limited-slip differential

300 – Storage box in front tray

412 – Electric tilt/slide sunroof

440 – Cruise control

452 – Two-tone horn

532 – Automatic antenna without radio set

540 – Roller blind, electric, for rear window

580 – Air conditioning

600 – Headlamp wash/wipe

640 – 15-hole alloy rims

812 – Rear speakers

873 – Heated seats