1987 Mercedes-Benz

A wonderful example of the flagship of the W126 range and perhaps Bruno Sacco’s finest most resolved design. This UK supplied example has covered only 31,500 miles from new in the hands of two owners, the second owning the car from two years old. Finished in Astral Silver with Dark Blue Leather interior it remains in exceptional, virtually unmarked order throughout and comes with full history, all books, keys and tools.

This SEC was supplied when new by Mercedes main dealer Continental Cars of Cardiff on the 13th of November 1987 following the pre-delivery inspection on the 9th of October that year as noted in the original stamped service book. The first owner, a local customer in Brecon kept the car for two years and covered 20,000 miles in this period, using the supplying dealer and Mercedes main dealer Andrew McDonald & Co for servicing as per schedule with three further stamps in the service book.

In late 1989 well-known prestige dealer Romans, then in Farnham, bought the car. This model was hot property back then with good examples making over list price. Indeed, the Romans rear screen sticker remains on the rear screen. The last owner bought the car soon after it was offered, since purchase the car was used lightly along with the owners Rolls Royce Silver Spirit. It continued to be well maintained by Mercedes Benz dealers, most recently Mercedes Benz Colindale with a further eleven stamps in the service book and invoices on file.

The car was evidently well looked after and carefully used as was clear on my initial inspection. Even a car as well made as a Mercedes Benz of this era will show wear and yet this car showed minimal deterioration with none of the usual and well-known trouble spots. An inspection and major service by a foremost marque specialist followed my purchase, any area requiring attention was addressed as noted in the invoice on file amounting to some £5,000. In addition, all tyres were replaced, the air conditioning system serviced and checked for fault. Finally, I could not resist adding a fine HiFi system, this refined quiet car so suiting this. The much-lauded Blaupunkt Bremen retro header unit that incorporates Bluetooth, DAB, music streaming and phone charging was used along with high end speakers in the original speaker units and hidden bass unit. A new model correct Hirschmann aerial was also fitted with DAB functionality. All planned, sourced and fitted by those magicians at Oxford Car HiFi. The original working Becker HiFi unit remains with the car.

The SEC has been fully detailed and presents beautifully. It really is such a good-looking design and drives so nicely with an integrity, smoothness and calm driving environment that typifies the marque in this era. A great 560 SEC remains a lovely useable car and they are still such great value for money.