1986 Mercedes 500 SEC
Discussion
I will admit to being one of those guys who names their cars. Sad or not, I know I'm not alone.
Stella, is my 1986 500 SEC. I bought her just over 2 years ago. Not a standard car, so less purist appeal, but modified in such a way as to be just on the right side of ex-boyracer/drug baron/arab playboy/russian tycoon - in my opinion at least.
The colour is an Alfa/Ferrari colour, Canna di Fucile, with original Palamino interior. She sports a period-correct Zender kit, and used to have 16"x9" Borbet wheels, but these were recently changed for new 17" OZ AMG reps (I'll need to save a bit to get originals).
She gets regular maintenance in the form of servicing and preventative measures, with oil changes approximately every 6000m, sometime sooner if i'm doing other engine work.
She has been exceptionally reliable, with no issues and no failures (except for a rear window mechanism). She has had all the rear deck work done (a design flaw leads to the rear screen allowing water through, which rots the rear deck).
Last year I had a stainless exhaust fitted, which has made the world of difference to my enjoyment of driving. I'm addicted to the burble of the lazy v8 around town, and the roar on country roads.
This Monday she's going to get the front end resprayed to take care of the stone-chipped bumper, and some remedial work to the very earliest signs of rust on the front arches.
Then, she's getting a W140 sunroof fitted, along with a new leather/alcantara headlining.
After that, she'll be pretty much perfect.
Prior to, and since buying her, I've learned a lot, and have done a huge amount of reading about this model. So feel free to ask questions if you have them.
Hope you like her.
Sam
Borbets
OZ AMGs
url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/67317301@N05/13817514424/]
[/url]
Stella Front 1 Apr 14 by SamPetyan, on Flickr
Stella Int 1 Apr 14 by SamPetyan, on Flickr
Stella Rear 2 Apr 14 by SamPetyan, on Flickr
Stella, is my 1986 500 SEC. I bought her just over 2 years ago. Not a standard car, so less purist appeal, but modified in such a way as to be just on the right side of ex-boyracer/drug baron/arab playboy/russian tycoon - in my opinion at least.
The colour is an Alfa/Ferrari colour, Canna di Fucile, with original Palamino interior. She sports a period-correct Zender kit, and used to have 16"x9" Borbet wheels, but these were recently changed for new 17" OZ AMG reps (I'll need to save a bit to get originals).
She gets regular maintenance in the form of servicing and preventative measures, with oil changes approximately every 6000m, sometime sooner if i'm doing other engine work.
She has been exceptionally reliable, with no issues and no failures (except for a rear window mechanism). She has had all the rear deck work done (a design flaw leads to the rear screen allowing water through, which rots the rear deck).
Last year I had a stainless exhaust fitted, which has made the world of difference to my enjoyment of driving. I'm addicted to the burble of the lazy v8 around town, and the roar on country roads.
This Monday she's going to get the front end resprayed to take care of the stone-chipped bumper, and some remedial work to the very earliest signs of rust on the front arches.
Then, she's getting a W140 sunroof fitted, along with a new leather/alcantara headlining.
After that, she'll be pretty much perfect.
Prior to, and since buying her, I've learned a lot, and have done a huge amount of reading about this model. So feel free to ask questions if you have them.
Hope you like her.
Sam
Borbets
OZ AMGs
url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/67317301@N05/13817514424/]
[/url]Stella Front 1 Apr 14 by SamPetyan, on Flickr
Stella Int 1 Apr 14 by SamPetyan, on Flickr
Stella Rear 2 Apr 14 by SamPetyan, on Flickr
Stunning car, all good.....but if it we mine I would remove the rear boot spoiler...
I know spoilers are a bit like 'Marmite' & divide opinion, but the car would look even more discreet without it !
( I have a mint condition E36 318iS M sport that had the factory boot spoiler, I lived with it for a few months but then it had to go ! Got a cheap standard boot-lid in same colour.)
I all other respects your Merc is brilliant !
What would put me off getting such a wonderful car would be the potential costs....ie the spares from Mecrcedes etc., but it sounds as if that has not been an issue ?
I know spoilers are a bit like 'Marmite' & divide opinion, but the car would look even more discreet without it !
( I have a mint condition E36 318iS M sport that had the factory boot spoiler, I lived with it for a few months but then it had to go ! Got a cheap standard boot-lid in same colour.)
I all other respects your Merc is brilliant !
What would put me off getting such a wonderful car would be the potential costs....ie the spares from Mecrcedes etc., but it sounds as if that has not been an issue ?
SamPet said:
There's a reason I left the spoiler, I like it. From a purist perspective it might ruin the lines, but from mine it adds a bit more 80s into the mix, which I love.
Re the plates, they are marmite. I feel they're befitting of a German Panzer.
The car is fantastic OP. I'm very envious!Re the plates, they are marmite. I feel they're befitting of a German Panzer.
Aren't the plates illegal though?
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff