1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC

This C126 in M117 V8 equipped 500SEC form hails from 1986 having first been registered in May of that year. As such it is an example of the facelifted C126 that was introduced in late 1985 for the 1986 model year. This example is a UK supplied and specified model having been originally ordered by M Rubin and Sons of Regents Park, London – a long established personalised apparel business. The SEC remained in their possession until 2004 when around 60,000 miles had been covered. 

Another four registered keepers came and went in relatively quick succession until the SEC was acquired by the previous, and sixth, keeper in 2014. At this stage just a further 11,000 miles or so had been added to bring the total to around 71,500. The sixth keeper was a classic car collector and aficionado and yet prized the SEC for being by far the most practical in his keep, courtesy of the huge boot, and the only one that his wife liked to drive.

Current keeper, David, acquired the SEC in May 2023 to become this C126’s seventh and current custodian. At this point the Mercedes had covered a shade over 79,000 miles. With the VDO odometer reading 81,081 miles on the day of our shoot it is clear that David has continued the trend of light and empathetic use. David points out an interesting and mysterious facet of his SEC’s presentation that only the most informed will notice. Despite clearly being a MKII C126, this car features the earlier model’s ribbed, body coloured “Sacco panels” as opposed to the smooth ones associated with the facelifted cars. Somewhat of an automotive mystery. No other mysteries are noted, however, with all aspects of this SEC thought to operate as they were originally intended. Even the captivating, motorised seatbelt “presenters” are operational as can be verified by our accompanying video. With the C126 models being the ultimate iteration of Mercedes-Benz coupes in 1986, with a £32,000 plus price tag to match (a couple of thousand pound below the UK’s average house price in the same year), they were always a rare sight on UK roads. Likely only a 1,000 or so made it to our shores. Today the number remaining in use in the UK is thought to be less than 200 making this a rare Benz indeed.

This 500SEC has clearly been well cared for by its various keepers as the presentation of its Nautical Blue Metallic (DB929) paintwork looks both predominantly original and highly impressive with a lustrous shine emitting from every panel. The bodywork is equally impressive with the famously bank-vault like panel gaps in evidence and the coupe appearing devoid of notable dents or dings. 

Inevitably enough for a 39-year old car the front end does feature some stone chipping, and the signature headlamp wipers would benefit from some attention, but they are about the only tell tales of this car’s age and mileage. Despite the C126 having a 65mm shorter wheelbase than its saloon brethren it is an impressively long looking coupe, none the less. The coupe’s party trick, of course, is one that even the four door S-Class could not match. The lack of a B-pillar means that retracting all four windows creates a superb semi-open configuration that not only looks great but creates an authentic, wind-in-the-hair mode of transport. A factory fitted, electrically operated steel sunroof is even on hand to further augment this appealingly alfresco ambiance.

This C126 rolls on a set of original Bundt 14-inch alloy wheels, perhaps more descriptively and colloquially known as “Mexican Hat” wheels. These present in an impressive condition throughout, perhaps commensurate with a more recent refurbishment. A matching set of Nankang radial type tyres in the factory correct 205/70 configuration.

Whilst the paperwork will reveal that the interior has received some minor remedial attention, it remains appropriately original and highly impressive in here. The original leather upholstery features which is finished in the Mercedes-Benz “Crème Beige” hue (275). The condition appears excellent and some re-Connollisation was undertaken by the previous owner, which helps account for its presentation today. Light, complementary coloured edge bound carpets are present as is plenty of deeply varnished walnut veneer. This combination of high-end finishes fitted with precision make for a deeply sumptuous, yet understated, ambiance.

The front seats are amply stuffed and sprung and benefit from electrical adjustment via seat shaped, haptic controls set into the door tops. These were pioneered in the W and C126 and were widely adopted by other marques when the 17-year patent expired. In this case a memory function also features – impressive indeed for 1986. The rear passengers enjoy deep, individually sculpted perches as well as their own ventilation, commodious ashtray and folding centre armrest. Given this car’s form factor it is unsurprisingly commodious in here.

The dash is topped with black, deformable rubber, which is in good original condition and the large, four-spoke Mercedes Benz steering wheel presents equally well. The large, clear instrument binnacle houses the signature white on black VDO gauge set.  All are understood to be in good working order. For its period, and given its halo status, this is an impressively equipped car. Refinements include heated front seats, cruise control, electric sunroof, Alpine CD changer and more. The huge boot provided ample space for all four occupants’ paraphernalia, and then some. An original Bundt spare wheel and associated tools are stashed under the floor.

This 1980’s autobahn stormer features the erstwhile M117 V8 engine in a 4973cc cubic capacity. This is fitted with continuous multi-point fuel injection courtesy of a Bosch K-Jetronic system. In original trim this unit was output rated at 228bhp with an impressive 299 Ib-ft of torque on tap. This is mated with a four speed, 4G-Tronic automatic transmission feeding power to the rear wheels. In period, this configuration was good for a 130mph top speed and a 0-60mph time of around 8-seconds.

The under bonnet presentation of this C126 remains highly original and impressive. A chromed air filter housing visually dominates proceedings, but everything here looks leak free and complete. Even the original bonnet insulation material is present and correct, if detached in places. The underside of the 500SEC was treated to a full Shutz undersealing at the start of the previous ownership. This seems to have paid dividends with the underside of the coupe remaining well preserved and presented.

The paperwork archive associated with this big coupe is reassuringly complete and instructive. The current V5 registration document is present as is the current MoT. The latter is an advisory free test and valid until April 2026. It is worth noting, as a 1986 car, that this 500SEC is on the cusp of being eligible for Historic Vehicle status which would render it MoT exempt and zero rated for road tax in the UK.

The original book pack is present complete with a duplicate service book. This documents services from 7,155 miles in 1987 up to 75,651 miles in 2013.  The remainder of the archive predominantly consists of numerous invoices from various points in the car’s history. Most recent amongst these is one from April 2025 for a gearbox service.

It is no real surprise that the C126 stands out from Bruno Sacco’s astonishingly accomplished canon of work as his personal favourite. The W126 S-Class upon which it is based was a triumph in itself and the coupe version only lent another dimension of exclusivity and panache to its four door sibling. A rarified Mercedes-Benz in every respect.

This car is a fine exemplar of the breed, too. It offers originality and desirability in spades and is rarer than its salon equivalent without really losing anything important in translation. With a sensible original mileage and much spent over the years keeping it in the fine condition we find it today, this refined autobahn express remains a highly desirable, yet surprisingly useable 80’s icon. In short, a thrilling ownership opportunity not to be missed.

We estimate this will sell for between £8,000 - £12,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the seller in Stafford. To book a viewing, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.