1988 Mercedes-Benz 500-Series

560SEL, S-Class, W126 Sedan

5.6 Litre V8

Automatic

WDBCA39D6JA410846

Clear

Gasoline

mrvintage68 store Present your best items with Auctiva's FREE Scrolling Gallery. You are viewing and potentially bidding on... A Concours Classic -Vintage 1988 Mercedes Benz 560SEL “S-class. For people who have learned from experience to buy all the integrity they can get.” Backgrounder: Originally designed by Bruno Sacco, the Mercedes-Benz W126 is a series of flagship vehicles manufactured by the German automotive brand Mercedes Benz. Premiering in September 1979 as the successor to the earlier W116 line, the W126 was the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz flagship to officially bear the S-Class name referring to Sonderklasse or "special class." The W126 was initially offered in straight-6, V8, and turbo diesel sedan models. In September 1981, 2-door coupe versions (C126) of the W126 were introduced. The W126 S-Class debuted a new Mercedes-Benz design style which was subsequently used on other vehicles in the company's lineup. The W126 line also introduced many Mercedes-Benz safety innovations, including the first seatbelt pretensioners. By 1986-87, the United States economy was doing extremely well, and consumers were spending money freely on luxury items. 1986 was a record sales year for virtually all luxury carmakers foreign and domestic, including Mercedes. Honda’s Acura division was started up with great success, and Lincoln and Cadillac found the most new buyers. Since economy themes in advertising had become passé and power and modern looks had been established, it was time to focus on competitors. But very discreetly. It’s interesting to note how advertisements in the late 1980s took on a more genteel upscale feel to match the good times. Luxury cars were a much easier sell now, so far less data and text was deemed necessary. Traditional large American luxury cars were targeted. The subtle advertising theme was to establish an S-class as a better choice than “overbearing” luxury cars saddled with “bulk and ostentation”. Copywriters may have had Honda’s upstart Acura luxury division in mind when creating the advertising text for 1987. Although Acuras had only been on the market for one year, their success could not be ignored. Readers were reminded of Mercedes-Benz’s 100-year heritage, tradition and pedigree which Acura (or any other Japanese manufacturer) could not possibly match. Tiny 1-liter-engine cars and motorcycles were Honda’s heritage – not very fitting for a luxury brand to tout. Mercedes ads began to feature more close-up pictures of their classic hood ornaments and grilles than ever. “You drive the automobile that pioneered ABS and SRS. But never has pioneered an onboard electronic gizmo”, proclaims a 1988 advertisement. Buyers were still reassured, in classic tradition, that they were buying a car of the highest engineering values. History was also touched on by, “S-class. For people who have learned from experience to buy all the integrity they can get.” And, “…but the greatest comfort of the S-class may ultimately be a purely emotional one; the absolute reassurance of absolute integrity.” Cleverly written, these may have been effective in swaying buyers away from Japanese and other luxury brands. Because when push comes to shove in making a large purchase such as a luxury car, the desire to follow the path of lesser doubt can be a strong one. The lucky new owner of this spectacular vehicle is sure to draw loads of attention and experience the same exclusivity that followed this amazing Mercedes Benz in the 1980's. Sure to be a conversation piece at the next cars & coffee, dinner party or office boardroom meeting!! Perhaps even commission this amazing 560SEL as vintage luxury taxi for your resort, hotel or ranch? Sure you could buy that new high end Luxury Sedan for $100K+ but why not drive a truly EXCLUSIVE and RARE piece of appreciating automotive history as this 560SEL, it’s just more fun! Condition of vehicle is as follows: This amazingly clean, complete, correct and very original Mercedes Benz 560SEL was recently purchased from a member of the family that has owned the vehicle since new. Having covered just 66K original miles, this handsome 560 SEL was originally purchased in Bloomington Il, by a Pediatrician in service at University of Chicago Medical School. It has been lovingly maintained, pampered and garaged during it's service. This gorgeous Benz was used mainly as a summer only car during it's short stint in the 'windy city.' The car and family eventually made their way to the more favorable climate and conditions of So. California in 1992, where the car has resided ever since. Mechanically and cosmetically this car is truly superior to many W126's currently listed for sale on the market. All options and features are functioning to factory original specification! Great effort has been taken since my ownership to preserve, protect, ensure the originality and integrity of this amazing vehicle. As you would expect with such a vehicle, it retains a complete set of documentation, books and paperwork. All proper factory identification, stickers, stampings, body markers, etc., are beautifully preserved throughout the vehicle. While you might find a 'cheaper' 560SEL, you surely will NOT find one that is 'white glove' concours ready and has been as properly preserved as this amazing car. As for the rest, I'll let the photos speak for themselves!Exterior Condition: Original Impala Metallic paint is absolutely stunning with a deep luster and shine as seen in the photo's. Very few minor blemishes, scratches, chips, etc., if any. The overall condition cosmetically is excellent! The polished anodized aluminum trim and stainless steel bumper caps are in excellent shape. The factory 15" steel rims and lug nuts are in excellent original condition. Newer tires have less than 5,000 miles of use. The trunk includes the original spare, jack and tool kit. The era-correct pinstripe has been flawlessly recreated by DonQ. The door seals, trunk seal, glass seals, rubber weather-stripping, etc., are all in great shape and still soft, supple and pliable. The front and rear windshield and seal are excellent. Chrome grill and inserts is in excellent shape. The fog lamp bezels have been replaced, tail lights and side markers are all in very good shape. All emblems are bright and shiny. Original factory stickers, part ID's and plates on door jam and engine compartment are in excellent condition.Interior Condition: The interior of this sedan is stunning and immaculate and odor free. Coming from a non-smoker, the Light Tan leather is soft, supple and free of cracks, stains, thin spots and has little if any wear. There are no rips, tears, or thin spots with only light fading and normal wear. All wood console, dash and door trim was properly removed and polished to perfection and is gorgeous! The original carpet and footrests are simply fantastic and shows light wear if any. It is without any stains, fading or unraveling. The headliner is excellent. The door panels, plastic trim and map pockets are all immaculate, crack and scuff-free. The instrument cluster is bright and flawless, without any fading. The accessory switches, knobs, buttons, turn signal lever, etc. are in excellent condition without any faded symbols, and they are all in proper working order.Mechanical Condition: This 560 SEL starts, runs, drives and handles amazing! It has been exceptionally maintained. It's durable and reliably efficient 5.6 liter, 8-cylinder motor is smooth and strong, getting an average of 16-19 MPG. Cold starts are instant, which is a validation to its low miles. The motor, chassis and engine compartment are very clean and dry. The transmission shifts sure, timely and proper. Independent SLS suspension is solid and comfortable having recently been serviced. Recently the car received a major 60K service. Recent maintenance includes but is not limited to --Listed Below. Accessories Condition: Central locking works fast and excellent. Heater/defroster work excellent, and blow heat and air from the proper vents respectively. Factory air conditioning works like new and blows ice cold. Original Becker AM/FM Stereo Cassette has been serviced and works excellent, along with original power antenna. Instrument cluster gauges all work excellent, including: clock, odometer, tripometer, rheostat illumination switch, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, fuel gauge, etc. Heated seats, front and rear adjust smooth and proper. Glove box compartment opens/closes/locks properly. One key fits front doors, trunk, and glove compartment. Headlights work excellent, along with high beams, brake lights, parking lights (side markers), reverse lights, both dome lights, turn signals, trunk light, license plate lights, glove compartment light, accessory switch illumination light, instrument cluster lights, etc. Also have all three original keys (master, spare, valet) Original Options Include: Verified by Mercedes Benz Classic Center of Irvine, Ca. Shipped 4-26-1988441 U Impala Metallic Paint274 A Leather Light Brown Interior442 Driver Airbag274 A Perforated Leather226 Rear Footrest519 Becker Casette Radio551 Anti Theft581 Climate Control597 Insulating Glass872 Rear Seat Heating873 Seat Heating Recent Service Completed by Mercedes Benz60K Service & InspectionOil ChangeFiltersNew Engine Drive BeltsComplete SLS Suspension ServiceNew AccumulatorsAutomatic Transmission ServiceAutomatic Transmission MountMotor MountsDifferential Service & ResealAlignmentSteering DamperWheels Balanced & RotatedComplete 'White Glove' Concours Reconditioning & Detail Inc. UndercarriageNew Grill InsertNew Fog LensesBecker Radio ServicePinstripes restored by DonQ (Original artist of many So. Cal 1980's Mercedes Benz Dealers) Our auction policy is as follows: *As I am a private seller and this vehicle is for sale locally, I reserve the right to end this listing early. *Please be advised that all out of state buyers will need to arrange their own transportation and pick up of the vehicle at a time and place convenient for both parties. I will be happy to try to accommodate any reasonable request to help facilitate. *A non-refundable $500 deposit will be required through PayPal upon agreement of purchase with the balance to paid in form of Cash, Cashiers Check or Wire Transfer within 7 days of auction ending. *We do not send Second Chance Offers. If you receive one it is probably a phisher so please report it to eBay and safeguard your identity. *We need a response and deposit from the winning bidder within two (2) days after the auction. *If you have any questions or requests concerning this item or shipping, please contact us before the auction has ended. Best Regards & Happy Bidding, RetroActive Vintage Check out my other items! StoresSign up for my email newsletters by adding my eBay Store to your Favorites. We guarantee all our items to be genuine/authentic and are as described or better!! IF YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE ASK BEFORE YOU BID!! Note: Please only bid if you are willing to complete the transaction, have the funds available and are prepared to pay associated shipping costs with transporting the vehicle!