1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC - 63K Original Miles, Gorgeous Two Owner Example

1989 Mercedes-Benz 500-Series Arctic White/Dark Blue, Strong Mechanically Description

Offered for sale is a beautiful, low 63,773 mile example of Mercedes-Benz’s flagship 1989 560SEC, finished in ceaselessly attractive Arctic White over a deep blue leather interior. Sold new by Prestige Imports of Hanover, MA to the owner of a successful construction company, the car would remain with its original owner for the ensuing 25 years and was always garaged, maintained and driven sparingly, and only in fair weather months. Sold with 62k miles to its second owner in 2014, the car spent less than two years in Alabama under similar conditions before we were able to acquire it this spring. The car’s condition reflects the limited use and the care afforded by its previous owners – it is strong mechanically and incredibly clean, showing only negligible wear both inside and out.

The late 1980s were a good time for Mercedes, the strength of the dollar pushing orders and production to record-breaking levels. The byproduct of that success was a zealous and well-funded R&D department that helped Mercedes carry on their reputation for perpetual technological advancement and the highest possible build-quality. That quality is immediately apparent from behind the wheel of this car. Smooth, powerful and abundantly stable and balanced, it’s hard to imagine a more comfortable, driver-friendly car despite its 27 years. Cutting edge in 1989, the W126 model SEC fulfilled and still fulfills all of the core requirements of a flagship luxury coupe, making the advancements of the subsequent quarter decade seem like unnecessary window-dressing. Buyers had to pay for the privilege of owning these cars, with the original sticker price being nearly $85k. Adjusting for inflation, that’s more that $160k in today’s money.

The car’s design is entirely representative of its “top-of-the-line” exclusivity. Big, bold and 1980’s angular, the car embodies a practical strength while still remaining elegant and well proportioned. This is only enhanced by the timelessly clean Arctic White finish, which is in excellent condition, commensurate with the car’s low, well-looked-after mileage. Marred only by minor imperfections to the paint (none of which are significant enough to detract from the car’s overall appeal or even appear in the pictures), the car’s tank-like body is in excellent condition, entirely straight and retaining factory consistent gaps and panel fits. In 2005 the car was tapped from behind while sitting in traffic, which appears on its Carfax report. The result of this exceedingly minor accident was a replacement rear bumper – it required no bodywork whatsoever and the car remains otherwise free of any accidents.

The car’s interior is equally as clean, the tasteful dark blue leather seats exhibiting only the slightest amount of wear and the interior carpets and panels all flawless. The dash is free of cracks or warping and the control console houses fully functioning switchgear and gauges. The power sunroof, power seats, heated seats, power windows, air conditioning, temperature controls and original Becker radio all function properly. All of the glass, rubber and chrome is in fantastic shape, as are the bumpers and lower body trim. The original alloy wheels are near flawless, showing none of the discoloration that is typical to cars of this era, and they’re wrapped in correct Continental tires with plenty of remaining tread.

The car is also mechanically excellent, the engine starting without hesitation, idling smoothly and pulling strongly through each of the transmission’s gears. Road manners are top notch, as are handling and braking, and the car is comfortable whether tooling through town running errands or bombing down the highway. Built for the Autobahn, the tried and true M117 5.6L V8 engine leaps into action when asked, providing trademark Mercedes torque and pulling the car quickly from 50mph to 100mph. And because of its stability and smooth suspension, it’s not an uncommon experience to look down at the speedometer and realize that you’re traveling significantly faster than you thought. Having spent its life garaged and never exposed to the elements, the car’s undercarriage is completely rust-free and solid. Upholstered in unmolested carpeting, the expansive trunk houses an unused full size spare tire and the car’s original tools, and the car comes with its original owner’s manual, books and each of its four original keys and fobs.

This is a great opportunity to acquire a gorgeous, low mileage and mechanically excellent example of one of Mercedes’ most impressive models. With a vast majority of the 560SECs produced having been driven into the ground, finding clean, low mileage examples is uncommon today and ever more so. It’s our opinion that because of their timeless designs, relative technological simplicity and uncompromising build quality, 560SECs are one of the final models produced by Mercedes that will ever achieve classic or collector car status, continuing to appreciate in the years to come. With very few low mileage, high quality examples on the market, if you’ve been looking for an SEC, this car deserves your serious consideration.