1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 SE

This 420 has led a very quiet life with its original owner seeing the most use from the car. After he died, the Mercedes was kept first by his wife and then their daughter, neither of whom really used it. All this time, the vehicle was garaged. The next person to become its custodian again drove it very little. Standing for as long as it had, the car’s fuel tank had become corroded inside, so he seemed to spend quite a bit of time trying to sort out its rather lumpy running and tick over. With this not totally resolved, he passed it onto the present keeper, a very experienced classic car enthusiast and collector (who rather fortuitously owns a service garage), who had the whole fuel system swapped out – and now the Mercedes runs perfectly.

Thistle Green was one of Mercedes’ most defining colours of the late Seventies and Eighties, and a shade which still looks good on any car – especially when it is in such nice condition as this. The original paint (obviously) retains all of the subtle tones and high gloss that it had when it left the showroom. There is no fading or discolouration anywhere on the body and no signs of corrosion. On S Class of this generation it is especially important to look around the front wheel arches, the sun roof and the metal dipping under boot lid below the big rear window. All of this areas are in excellent health.

Panel fit across the car is near perfect with consistently narrow shut lines all round. Perhaps, if you stare long enough, you can convince yourself that there is a slight protrusion of the plastic panel on the lower driver’s door (2mm-3mm?), but in general, all these sections fit perfectly. This is also true of the bright strips which decorate the upper edges and run along the bumpers. The metal here is perfectly straight and the chrome bright and clean. Really, this goes for all the brightwork across the car. There are no signs of grime or discolouration around joins or gutters and no pitting. The big trademark Mercedes grill is in similarly good condition, though perhaps the angle/fit of the three-pointed star on its ball mounting needs some adjustment; First World problems or what?

Well I think someone has sat in this car; you can just about see a couple of creases in the driver’s seat leather, but to say that the patina of on the hides – or across the interior in general – is gentle, is still perhaps being a little harsh. The cream leather is in most excellent condition, the one or two creases on the driver’s seat, and maybe the armrest, not withstanding. Seat bolsters, headrests and the edges of cushions are firm and scuff-free. The original carpets and very clean and perfectly edged, and there is a set of very good Mercedes-issue over mats with the car as well.

The German manufactures never really had the flair for interior woodwork in the way that Jaguar or Roll-Royce did (do), but the wood veneer on all doors, dash and centre console retails a good grain and colour, as well as an excellent gloss in the lacquer. You’ll also notice just how clean the interior is, not just in the obvious areas, but in all the nooks and crannies, behind switches or in the creases and joins between plastics, wood and leather.

Another aspect to consider is the effect that improper storage can have on interior materials, but there are no signs of mould, looseness in joints or levers or sagging in the headlining. All seals appear healthy and retain a good colour to the rubber or plastic. Even the magazine nets behind the front seats still look tight.

A shiny top doesn’t necessarily mean the underside will be as good, but we are happy to report that this Mercedes is as good underneath as it is everywhere else. There is a light weathering to suspension components, commensurate with the 20,714 miles driven, but nothing that would remotely compromise any parts or structures. It certainly appears that the car remains hugely robust, with all systems capable of a good few 100,000 miles of service in the right hands. If one thing had to be replaced, it would have to be the tyres; though they display little wear, they are the car’s original set. So probably time to get some more.

The engine bay is likewise very tidy – not concours – but everything present, correct and original. The under-bonnet sound/heat proofing is clean, fits perfectly and shows no signs of heat/moisture damage. There is perhaps a little oxidation showing on some ancillaries, and a stain from something spilt at the offside front corner of the engine bay, but nothing to raise any concerns. There are no signs of leaks in or around the motor, and the metal and paint here are very sound.

As with the cabin, it’s when you look into the details; screw heads, hose clips, wiring joins, or behind small angle brackets, you realize in what good and original condition this car remains. All very confidence inspiring.

It would be nice to see a few more service documents with the Mercedes, but with the low mileage (largely corroborated by MOT certificates) and with the great condition of just about everything, it doesn’t feel a worry to overlook this aspect of the car’s presentation.

Like many an enthusiast in the motor business, the present owner hasn’t kept a record of his garage’s own work (on the fuel tank and system), but if pressed, I’m sure could find some – it is all fairly recent.

Yes, I’m not keen on the phrase either, but I’m going to say it; time warp condition. To all intents and purposes, after its first owner passed away, this Mercedes went into (albeit very well cared-for) storage with just the odd outing here and there. So what we have here is a 420SE still very much in its prime and redolent in all that top-of-the-executive-saloon-heap S-Class Eightiesness.

Compared to their Jaguar and Bentley rivals, these Mercedes don’t always elicit the emotional response and therefore command the values they deserve. But, when you get a good ’un (and, if you hadn’t cottoned on, this is a good ’un), they are a toweringly capable – and classy – touring saloon. Even in this condition, you may still be able to bag a bargain. We expect it to sell for between £12,000 and £14,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this car is located with the vendor in Penrith.  To arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.