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1983 Mercedes Benz 500 SEL (W126)

At a Glance

Family Owned Since 1986 | Low Miles | Fantastic Presentation | Most MOTs in History

  • Mileage~47,119 on clock
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine5.0-litre
  • LocationWeybridge

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CURRENT BID£1,750
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,750

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Video #2

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Consigner and Editor

Graceful V8 elegance with sophisticated simplicity, this 500 SEL has been in the family since 1986.

Capitalising on Mercedes-Benz's reputation for durability, longevity and long-distance cruising, the W126 series of S-Class was a result of 7 years of development. Released in 1980, it fitted with novel safety features such as a driver's airbag, seat-belt pre-tensioners, rear headrests, anti-lock brakes and traction control, the S-Class Mercedes Benz models were considered halo models, often featuring innovations and technology that would filter into their smaller models. 

As the pinnacle of mass-produced luxury, the advantages that a Mercedes had over a hand-built luxury car, were evident in its engine efficiency, aerodynamics and use of cutting-edge technology. Placed at the top of the perch of the 1983 Mercedes-Benz range, the 500 SEL fulfilled the expected standards of a flagship luxury saloon. Powered by a fuel-injected alloy ~237 bhp 5.0-litre V8, the SEL model signifies a long wheelbase, offering an impressive amount of leg space for all passengers, climate control, an electric sliding roof and rear passenger footrests. 

This 1983 first phase 500 SEL is presented in a well-preserved silver-blue finish, with immaculate velour seats. It has been in the same family ownership since 1986 and has seen just ~47,119 miles. It comes with an impressive provenance, including a good record of servicing, MOTs since 1986 and its full owner's wallet including its original delivery checklist. Recently serviced, it comes with two keys, a MOT to July 2024 and is exempt from road-tax.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Saeed the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

It has been with us for a long time, we'll be sad to see it go.

Very much a car that has been part of the family, the Mercedes is registered under the vendor's sister-in-law's name, who fondly recalls being taken to school in the car in the 1980s.

Saeed is thinning out the collection of cars in his possession, simply due to a lack of use.

Saeed will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Saeed
Vehicle Owner

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EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

The exterior condition of the 500 SEL is superb, solid with very little in terms of age; this is genuine time-warp material.

Wheels and Tyres

The car is fitted with 14” steel wheels, their condition is in line with the positive condition of the car. Shod with its original plastic hubcaps, they show lacquer damage and some road wear in places. 

The Michelin XWX tyres are over 20 years old, but they have plenty of tread and nothing has been flagged up in past MOTs.

Bodywork

The car's exterior is free of dents or metal damage. The wheel arches, door bottoms and wings are cleanly presented. All doors open and close easily, the panel fit is flush and displays consistent shut lines.

The same positive note applies to the underside of the car, which appears solid. The floor pan, engine bay, wheel wells, boot floor and suspension mounts have been well preserved.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The paint finish has lasted well and retains a decent lustre, showing only mild swirls in the sunshine - the colour is consistent in hue and retains a healthy gloss.

There are a few minor chips noted on the bonnet and boot lid and a few surface scuffs elsewhere, but far better than to be expected on an original car of this age. 

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in good condition with very few signs of age - they all have good seals.

The lights and lenses are well presented - just the nearside front indicator has a couple of cracks and the front bumper has a mild surface scuff on the same corner.

The body trim, bumpers and chrome are well-mounted and have aged well. 

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

An almost spotless interior, the cabin retains a faint-aroma of newness.

Seats and Carpets

The velour seats are in superb condition, few signs of age noted - just a light discolouration in places.

The carpets are also pleasing, with the front footwells fitted with two layers of Mercedes Benz mats. The rear footwells have padded footrests. There are no signs of dampness inside the car. The boot is clean, suggesting limited use. 

Dashboard

The dashboard is in excellent shape, with no damage or wear noted on the facia. The veneer is clean, with no significant marks on the centre console. The dials, controls and switches are in good condition.

The door cards and headlining are both in excellent condition which finishes off a remarkably well-preserved cabin. 

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever are both show in great condition with very little wear and presented cleanly.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Reliable and durable, this 500 SEL retains its reputation for top-notch dependability.

Engine and Gearbox

The cold start procedure didn’t pose any issues at all, the car started up without hesitancy and was free of any unwanted engine noises. The engine idles smoothly, with nothing more than condensation coming out of the exhaust. We didn’t spot any fluid leaks on the day.

The 5.0-litre V8 engine shows signs of maintenance, with decent hoses and ancillaries. There was very little wear on the engine plastics. The car is fitted with a new battery.

Fitted with a 4-speed automatic gearbox, Saeed has been happy with its performance. It selects drives without delay and operates free of noise or slippage.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension components appear to be in good visual condition and negotiated the speed humps without any knocks or unwanted noises. They absorbed the road smoothly. 

The car brakes evenly and are free of grinds or squeals.

No warning lights for ABS malfunctions were flagged up.

The Drive

As Mercedes’ flagship sedan, it offered the best of ride comfort and still suggests an insight into the S-Class' supple and sure-footed handling. Guided by the ultra-smooth transmission, slick V8 power and graceful manners, the S Class feels like a modern car. Its careful use, good maintenance and decades of indoor storage tell us a lot about the car's mechanical health. 

The car is nicely composed at urban speeds, the braking proved to be trouble-free, with no vibrations or pulling at the steering wheel. There were no issues with the engine, its refinement and smoothness were remarkable, with no undulations or hesitation. It accelerates smoothly, selecting ratios with precision.

The suspension coped with the numerous speed humps, to no ill effects to the suspension, the car remaining completely unflustered. Saeed has not experienced any issues with the oil pressure or engine temperature, both were confirmed by his mechanic as fault-free. 

Electrics and Other

Fitted with its original Becker Mexico tape player, the electric windows, climate control and sunroof were tested as operational.

VIEW ALL
Video #2

History and Paperwork

Almost everything has been kept, and it appears to have been mostly trouble-free over its ~41 years.

Originally supplied by Mercedes main dealer Mitchell Cotts of Birmingham in September 1983, it was brought to London and owned by a food distributor. Sold to Saeed's father-in-law in 1986, the car has remained in the hands of the family and is currently registered to Saeed's sister-in-law.

It retains its original owner's wallet, which includes the full set of booklets and its original delivery checklist. The service book has 8 stamps, with two more services, one from Mercedes in 2017 and the other carried out in July 2024. There are a handful of historic invoices, including Mercedes invoices showing new steering components and an ABS sensor. There is also evidence of earlier main dealer work on the discs and pads.

Almost all of its MOTs since 1986 are included. The car has been kept indoor over the years and lightly used, covering around ~500 miles a year until the mid-2000s and then used at a drastically reduced rate to 2016, yet it was still MOT’d almost every year. It was placed into storage in 2016 and recommissioned in July 2024. 

The car is sold with a current MOT, valid until July 2025. It has seen a recent service and comes with two keys. Please note that the car's original age-related number plate will be sold with the car, and the ageless one will be retained by the owner. 

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
17-07-2024 MOT 47,105
20.06.2017 MOT 46,992
20-06-2017 Mercedes Economy Service 46,987
24-05-2016 MOT 46,871
21-05-2015 MOT 46,749
03-06-2014 MOT 46,610
30-04-2013 MOT 46,474
27-09-2011 MOT 46,240
06-05-2010 MOT 45,756
20-04-2009 MOT 45,525
08-08-2007 MOT 44,820
13-07-2006 MOT 43,949
11-07-2005 MOT 43,529
12-07-2004 MOT 43,012
06-06-2003 MOT 42,447
18-05-2002 MOT 41,457
02-05-2001 MOT 41,056
22-04-2000 MOT 40,312
09-11-1999 Mercedes 42,000 Mile Service 40,102
05-05-1999 MOT 38,946
25-04-1998 MOT 38,724
19-04-1997 MOT 38,477
13-04-1996 MOT 38,369
15-04-1995 MOT 38,203
16-04-1994 MOT 37,788
01-05-1993 MOT 37,214
29-02-1992 MOT 37,267
05-04-1990 MOT 36,684
28-04-1989 MOT 36,183
19-04-1988 MOT 34,815
16-09-1986 MOT 31,390
04-07-1986 Mercedes 30,000 Mile Service 31,128
25-07-1985 Service 25,161
16-11-1984 Service 21,488
16-01-1984 Service 15,621
13-12-1983 Service 7,258
09-09-1983 Mercedes Inspection 914
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Model500 SEL
  • Transmission4-Speed Automatic
  • Reg. Date05-09-1983
  • CC4973
  • Mileage47,119 on clock
  • HistorySee Media
  • ColourSilver-Blue
  • Interior ColourLight Blue
  • Interior TrimVelour
  • Chassis #12603722036154
  • Engine #11796322030125
  • Last Service07-2024
  • MOTYes Exp. 16-07-2025
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes - all clear
  • Former Keepers3
  • Tyre BrandMichelins
  • Tyre Age20 years +
  • # of Keys2
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~5 years, 8 months
  • Key FeaturesFamily owned since 1986 and low mileage
  • Vehicle RegistrationA96 UOF
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Body Type4-door saloon
  • Auction ID2188
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VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

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Vehicle Location

Weybridge

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    Auction Bidding

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    Current Bid £1,750
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    Auction Ends Thu 24th Oct at 7.50pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  4
    £1,750 bid by Gkcgary11.10.24 @ 14:07:53
    £1,500 bid by harrykari11.10.24 @ 09:17:47
    £1,275 bid by Travelbug5910.10.24 @ 15:45:14
    £1,050 bid by Gkcgary10.10.24 @ 11:09:33
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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a 500 SEL like this is £155 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Autumn 2024.

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    Vehicle Location

    Weybridge

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