Rare special order Australian-delivered 500SEL: Never intended to be sold in our market
It’s hard to go past 80s big-body Benzes in terms of value, capability, pedigree and quality.
Just ask Guido, he just bought a barely-used W126 300SEL for peanuts!
The ‘Sonderklasse’, or “Special Class”, badge bestowed Mercedes-Benz’s flagship model with an international reputation for luxury, technical innovation and build quality.
The W126 was the second-generation of the flagship nameplate, and was produced from 1979 to 1991 in both short and long-wheelbase sedan bodies, and a svelte pillarless coupe.
The W126 was powered by a swathe of inline-sixes, with the pre-facelift series topping out in the Australian market with the 380SEL, and its 3.8lt V8.
This Australian-delivered 1984 W126 is a serious rarity, being a global range-topping 500SEL that was never intended to be sold in Australia.
According to the car’s history, it was a Special Order for the Director of Grenfell Homes, who was underwhelmed by the Australian-market’s top-spec 380SEL.
The 500SEL was fitted with the European-specification fuel-injected 4973cc V8 coupled to a four-speed automatic.
The car is finished in maroon red over tan leather interior with ample legroom given its long-wheelbase floorpan.
It’s outstandingly presented and would make a virtually-bulletproof long distance runner.
It’s a huge amount of car for the money: listed for $9,500.
The car is based in Victoria, and you check out the full listing here!
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