1988 Mercedes-Benz

420SEL Sedan

8 Cylinder 4.2 Liter

Automatic

Gasoline

1988 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL A Collector’s Dream Truly a Gem - A Super Clean 2nd Owner Car ---THIS IS A NO RESERVE AUCTION--- The highest bidder will own this truly stunning car. History Experts agree: the last real Mercedes flagship is the New Generation W126 series, also known as Sonderklasse or "special class" ("S-Class"), premiering in September 1979 as the successor to the earlier W116 line. Manufactured for more than a decade, the longest production run of any S-Class generation since the flagship models were first built in the mid-1950s, Mercedes' New Flagship cars were as safe and solid as Swiss bank vaults - destined to live forever. Exceptional longevity, utility, and value aside, what a Mercedes enthusiast also wants is a car that elevates one's heartbeat by its sheer presence alone. Luckily, in 1985 Mercedes added the 420SEL (Long Wheelbase) to the S-Class family: elegantly styled 4-Door Sedans in a class of their own. These W126 Sedans were built standard with every imaginable luxury, and provided plenty of space for five full-grown passengers and copious amounts of luggage. These wonderful cars have been sought after by Mercedes collectors and enthusiasts for some time now. Doing daily duties for more than two decades, few are as clean and preserved as the 420SEL being offered in this auction. The car being offered here would just be what an enthusiast lusts for: a very clean, well kept and well cared for top-of-the-line Mercedes. The Sticker Price on this car is 1988 was $58,150.00 – that’s $108,116 in today’s money. From an investment perspective, these cars are sleepers – sure to only increase in value with the passing of time. The starting bid of this auction is a fraction of the NADA value. This is a tremendous opportunity. About This Car This is the proverbial "needle in a haystack," an investment-grade Mercedes right here in beautiful Southern California. Not only is it a top-of-the-line 420SEL with its marvelous and powerful M116.965 4.2L V8 engine, but it is very clean both inside and out with everything working as it should. Special? You bet! This 420SEL certainly is one of the finest examples of its kind in the World. Always driven sparingly, an average of only 5,175 miles was added to the odometer in each of the past 23 years, just about enough to keep the vital fluids circulating. The mileage of 119,464 shown on the odometer is the actual mileage, making this car a mere youngster as these engines are widely known to exceed 250,000 miles. I am the second owner of this car, having purchased it in 2004 (through a broker) from the original owners – an elderly Southern California couple. It was very apparent that the car had been pampered all its life. I continued this tradition of coddling by having the car inspected and gone through with a fine-toothed comb by a 25-year exclusive Mercedes expert. I'm happy to report that this stunning automobile was determined to be in impecable condition. I then stored the car indoors with my other classics and even covered it with a custom car cover while inside. I put a mere 3000 miles on the car in the 6 years that I’ve owned and enjoyed it. By the way, this custom car cover with mirror pockets for which I paid $400 is included with the car. I am now sadly parting with this gem so as to free up room for another classic car I have coming in from restoration. The new owner will not be disappointed. Please, follow me while I inspect this truly exciting automobile thoroughly, starting with the exterior. Exterior: Examining the sleek body lines, you might realize that the Mercedes S-Class has a more aerodynamic and sportier look than other cars of this era. Walking around the car, I see no annoying dings or dents anywhere. The doors still close with the characteristic Mercedes Benz sound that no other automaker has ever been able to duplicate. All glass is in superb condition. All four side windows are power operated and can be lowered completely. Complimenting the classic exterior are beautiful silver-painted Mercedes alloy wheels that appear to be flawless and look like new. Tires all around (including the spare) are brand new, and are of the correct and expensive size 205/65 R 15. There has been no downgrade in the size or type of tires on this car, speaking very eloquently of the impeccable care this car has received. Yes, all the exterior lights work, of course. The inside of the gas filler door still displays all factory labels. The vast and roomy trunk is big enough to swallow several bicycles at once. Its rust free floor is still protected by the--fantastically preserved--original brown carpet mat. Spare tire, jacking equipment, and all the 'hidden corners' that nobody ever cares to inspect are clean as a whistle. More details: Perfect original trunk floor Brown cloth tool roll with unused factory tools Engine: Moving on to the engine compartment, I notice how clean everything is. Even the hood insulation mat looks flawless. Filling the engine bay is one of the most beautiful and smooth V8 power plants Mercedes has ever made. It's a feast for the eyes, almost as beautiful as the company's Kompressor engines of the glorious 1930s. I am happy to report that I see no fluid leaks; there are no untoward noises, smoking habits, or bad behavior of any kind. Ready to look inside? Interior: Big "ocean liner" steering wheel with the way-ahead-of-its-time air bag is beautifully preserved and crack free, and so is the dashboard. Lights, switches, power windows, power memory seats, power sunroof, factory radio, cassette player, and power antena: everything works flawlessly. Illuminated heater and air conditioning controls are perfect and move smoothly. The air conditioning delivers cold air on demand and the heating system is working just as efficiently. All gauges look absolutely new and work flawlessly, including the outside temperature display. The interior exudes all the congeniality, warmth, and friendliness of the Munich Hofbräuhaus. Solid elegance and pure luxury is the main theme; richly embossed, Palomino Mercedes Benz – Leather; a clean headliner; real Zebrano wood accents, including shift lever; and the traditional opulent carpeting provide a cozy atmosphere. Pure luxury came standard on this Mercedes. Legroom is otherworldly. Even a 6'5" giant finds plenty of space and will agree that the W126 is one of the most comfortable cars in the world, Rolls-Royce saloons included. Details, details: Original MB-Leather interior is near flawless, including the most vulnerable sections on the driver's seat and driver’s armrest Original BECKER AM/FM Cassette, Dolby Stereo works perfectly Ash tray has never been used All interior lights work There's not a single rip in the headliner or sun visors Original Manual, Cards, and Clear Pouch are present and included The build quality of the 420SEL is unsurpassed; even a brand new Mercedes-Benz could not hold a candle to the achievement of the W126. Sad but true: they don't make 'em like this anymore. As for this particular gorgeous car, everything proves to be fantastically preserved and ready for another lifetime of use. This is a stunning car, no doubt. But what's it like driving this show piece on today's streets? Let us find out! Road Test: Friday, January 7, 2011 was another perfect day here in Los Angeles. I took this Mercedes Sedan on a trip along the coast to the luxury Trump National Golf Club. This Benz hummed along happily, displaying perfect road manners, thanks to its precise power steering and smooth-shifting, advanced 4-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration was smooth, quiet, and very powerful. The advanced suspension and tires made for a very smooth and quiet ride, very much befitting a top-of-the-line Mercedes Benz. Large, 4-wheel disc brakes anchor the car with the authority of a jumbo jet’s landing gear. Compliments and admiring looks from the valet at the Golf Club confirmed what I knew already: everybody loves this car! By the way, I recently double checked the operation of the cruise control and I'm happy to report that it works perfectly in every aspect. If you are a person of impeccable taste, someone who appreciates a pampered car more than today's dernier cri, which fades so quickly, this rare, near impeccable Mercedes might be just the car for you. If you enjoy cruising along quiet country lanes, sunroof open, a warm breeze tugging at your hair, you might fall in love with this unique automobile. If you love German ruggedness and value a car that's sophisticated in design and accouterments, but mechanically straightforward, you could fit the owner profile of this beautiful investment-grade Mercedes 420SEL. Being a 1988 model, this fine motorcar qualifies for the utmost affordable Specialty or Classic Car Insurance. That said, this 420SEL is not an entry level Mercedes; rather, it is one of the finest and most luxurious W126 models in the country, and deserves a new owner who will cherish and preserve it. In the long run, it surely pays off to buy the best car you can find. Disclosures and Disclaimers – by bidding you attest that you have read, acknowledge, and accept the following: · The odometer reading at time of delivery may vary ever slightly due to road testing. · This gorgeous Mercedes is part of my personal collection. I am not a dealer or broker. · I have described this vehicle to the best of my ability and disclosed what I know but I make no warranties whatsoever, express or implied. I shall not be responsible for errors, omissions, or typos in the description. I encourage you to inspect the vehicle or have someone inspect it for you prior to bidding. Your bid consummates a legally binding contract obligating you to follow through with the transaction and purchase the vehicle, regardless of defects or failures unknown to me and/or not disclosed herein. · If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. Once the auction has ended, the sale is final. · Please understand that this is a used car. A function, feature, mechanical, or electrical component that is working one minute when I inspect it may start acting up later. Thus, this car is sold AS IS and WHERE IS. There are no warranties whatsoever express or implied. · Shipping and delivery is the responsibility of the buyer (winning bidder), although I will facilitate and cooperate in any way I can. Please note that I will not and cannot be responsible for vehicle damage or theft after the car is handed over to your car carrier/transporter or your agent, pursuant to your instructions. If you are not picking up the vehicle in person, I ask that any instructions for me to turn the car over to a transporter or third party be given by email or other written form. If the vehicle is being picked up by a transporter or third party without your being present, for security reasons, I will overnight the title to you separately once funding has cleared. · Please, only bid on this vehicle if you are serious about owning it and have the funds readily available. A $1000 non-refundable deposit is due via PayPal within 48-hours of auction end and the remaining balance is due via a secured funding method within 7 days of auction end. Please note that cashiers check must clear prior to delivery of vehicle. Thus, cashiers check cannot be used to pay simultaneously with in-person pick up. It will have to be sent in advance with ample time to clear the bank before any in-person pick up. · There are no contingencies in this auction. You bid to own. When placing a bid you are entering a binding contract to buy this car. · Lastly, this vehicle is being offered for sale locally. I reserve the right to end the auction early due to a local sale. If you want the car and don’t want to lose out due to early auction termination, please call me at (310) 951-8090 for the local sales price. Thanks for your consideration.