Investment Grade 24,313 Actual Mile West Coast 560 SEL 5.6L EFI V8 4 Speed Auto

SUMMARY

Vintage Mercedes like this meticulously maintained 560SEL are the perfect combination of old world luxury and universal appeal. Fast, comfortable, stylish, and built like a Panzer tank, they are the first choice of many classic car collectors who like to both show their cars and drive them on weekend getaways. With only 24,313 sunny day miles on its original powertrain, and no collision or major body damage whatsoever, this rock-solid Benz is about as close to owning a brand new, 25 year old luxury car as you can get. If you're a Daimler diehard who's in the market for a low buck collector piece that can be driven and enjoyed to its fullest extent, this awesome sedan is the incredible deal you've been waiting for!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Looking exceptionally clean in its slick coat of Arctic White paint, this big Benz is a gently used time capsule that, judging by a quick visual inspection, has never had any significant damage. There's no sign of body rust anywhere. The car's long fenders are straight, its door bottoms are clean, and everything is nicely accented by a thin, two-tone grey pinstripe. And as far as fit and finish go, all variable components open easily, close properly and seal up tight as you would expect from a luxury automaker.

ENGINE

Power comes from a reliable M117 'light alloy' V8 which provides an excellent mix of torquey thrust and thrifty fuel economy. The silky engine, noted for its advanced overhead cam block, traditional cast iron heads and beefy compression, is a great luxury car powerplant that happily goes about its business without troubling the driver or passengers. And while you're not likely to take home many street racing victories, you're certainly not going to be late either. The condition of the car's engine bay is further testament to an easy life away from the harsh salt and slush of winter; fittings are bright and shiny, there's no rust on either the inner fenders or firewall and all wiring remains corrosion free. Not surprisingly, the big mill is dotted with original components, displaying a distinct lack of rigged or hijacked parts that are common on cars that previous owners can't afford to properly service. And everything is operational and fully accounted for, with items like undamaged fluid bottles, pliable belts and fresh looking hoses setting high expectations for years of reliable cruising.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Based on Mercedes' proven W126 architecture, the 560SEL champions a smooth, 4-speed automatic transmission. A familiar self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension commands a long wheelbase to mix composed turns with cloud-like ride quality. Naturally, there's factory power steering to cast away all those annoying "drives like a barge" poseur quips. Likewise, brakes are power-assisted discs at all four corners. The exhaust system is a single-pipe setup that utilizes a big muffler and rust-free tail pipe to emit barely a murmur. All that cushy technology rides on snazzy, 15-inch wheels which spin 205/65R15 Firestone Precision Touring radials around polished wheels. And aesthetically, the car's undercarriage is exactly what you'd expect from a well-traversed cruiser, with clean floors that display no evidence of abuse, neglect, or damage.

INTERIOR

On the inside, this well-mannered SEL is Teutonic luxury at its finest. Soft leather buckets are supremely comfortable and look great in a traditional grey hue. In front of those seats, crystal clear gauges are laid out in typical Mercedes fashion: three binnacles with simple dials and lighted pointers. Behind those gauges, a straight and fresh dash features rich wood trim that flows into a great looking, wood-topped console. Below that console, clean carpet presents much, much better than its age would suggest. At the sides of that carpet, well-padded door panels hang chrome handles above long, flowing armrests. In front of the driver, a black, Mercedes-branded steering wheel maintains excellent road manners while providing a heavy, luxury car feel. And behind the passengers, a fully carpeted trunk features enough room for luggage, a briefcase and a nice set of golf clubs.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

Both luxurious and capable, this rock-solid Benz is a substantial sedan that's been meticulously maintained throughout its entire existence. Thanks to Daimler's storied reputation for excellent engineering, Mercedes sold every W126 car they could build, and vintage examples like this 560SEL enjoy a large group of dedicated fans. If you're looking for a great cruiser that's a genuine iron fist in a silk glove, you've found your next classic!