A great ‘driver quality’ W126 500SEL that has benefited from a huge amount of refurbishment in recent years. Only three owners and full service history.

 

Finished in the fabulously period colour combination of Smoke Silver with Brazil Brown leather interior. It is equipped with electric seats (front), air conditioning, cruise, reading lights and Becker Mexico.

 

First owner for 5 years, then it was supplied by SG Smith of Crystal Palace to a QC who loved the car and kept it for 21 years until 2016. One owner since.

 

Over the last five years it has had significant refurbishment by Edward Hall Classic Mercedes. The list is too extensive to list here but this has included front bulkhead repair with new windscreen, replacement of the rear screen panel and the rear screen refitted with a new rubber.

The engine has had new valve stem seals, new cams, new timing chain, guides, sprockets and tensioner. The engine mounts and knock sensor loom have also been replaced. The gearbox has had a new fluid and filter. The front springs, dampers and ball joints are new. The wheels have been refurbished with new tyres.

The exhaust system and front wings were replaced by the second owner with genuine Mercedes parts and remain in great condition.

 

Full service history, service book, all books/manuals and a folder of paperwork. HPI clear. 12 months MoT.

 

Drives very well indeed with excellent performance and a lovely smooth, cossetting ride. Being a late 500, this has the more powerful 265bhp V8 engine.

 

Cosmetically it is not perfect. The paintwork looks fine from ten paces but up close there are plenty of blemishes. A some point it would benefit from a repaint.

The underside is in very solid condition – a benefit of being a London car for most of its life.

 

The interior is generally a nice place – the dashboard is crack-free, the rear foot rests are still present and it has its original ribbed mats. The leather seats have a patina of use but are still supremely comfortable. The Becker Mexico is still present but requires overhauling.

 

Overall, a well-loved 500SEL that has a tremendous amount of expensive work done to it. It has scope for further improvements or it can be simply enjoyed and maintained as it is.

 

 

Option Codes

 

221 – Left front seat electrically adjustable

226 – Foot rests in rear

227 – Ashtray, cigar lighter at rear, left and right

242 – Right front seat electrically adjustable with memory

256 – Rear axle with limited-slip differential

405 – Orthopaedic seat, front right

412 – Electric tilt/slide sunroof

440 – Cruise control

538 – Automatic antenna without radio set

543 – Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors

580 – Air conditioning

592 – Heat insulated glass

600 – Headlamp wash/wipe

640 – 15-hole alloy wheels

731 – Walnut wood trim

812 – Rear speakers

877 – Reading lamps in rear