1986 MERCEDES-BENZ (W126) 560 SEC

This 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC is a sophisticated and increasingly rare two-door coupe, presented in good condition throughout. Under the bonnet sits a 5.5-litre fuel-injected V8 engine producing up to 295bhp, coupled with the four-speed automatic transmission. The odometer currently indicates 116,756 km (72,548 miles).

Delivered new to Qatar, this SEC’s first owner was connected to the royal family in Doha. It was a ‘full option’ car with a high factory specification that included automatic climate control, electrically adjustable orthopaedic seats, electric windows, a sunroof, cruise control, airbags, seat belt handers, and an on-board computer.

It was imported to the UK in June 1991, and for the next 14 years was owned by the British circus impresario, Billy Smart Jr., before being passed to his son from 2006 until last year. During Billy’s tenure, it was registered as both ‘BS 59’ and ‘FU 2’. While the service history paperwork has been misplaced, and may yet be discovered, the family vouches for the mileage and that it was well-maintained throughout their ownership.

While it has been overseas in recent years, registered in Monaco, the car is now back in the UK, and the vendor is completing the re-registration process. The plates on the car are the original registration, though the DVLA’s administrative process is delayed due to the Covid-19 impact.

The bodywork of this 560 SEC presents well. It had some minor cosmetic damage to the front end from a parking accident some years ago, and the bumper and grille were subsequently replaced with OEM items, while the bonnet was repainted. The work was evidently done to a very good standard, and there is no evidence of the prior repairs today. Other than this, its Arctic White finish is believed to be original, and has only minor imperfections that are shown in the gallery below.

All of the body trims and badges are present and correct, and there is no visible damage to any of the light lenses. The car also features a sliding sunroof panel, which works as it should. It rides on a set of flat-faced 15-inch alloy wheels, which are original and would benefit from refurbishment.

Inside, the optional red velour upholstery is original and in excellent condition, with no heavy wear, and no rips or tears in the cloth. There is very slight fading from age, and overall the appearance is of a very well-preserved modern classic. The stylish burr walnut veneers are in very good order, and the centre console has been fitted with a Becker Indianapolis Pro stereo. There are no known electrical faults, and no warning lights present.

Within the last few years, the car was put through a recommissioning service, when the engine oil was changed, and the air-conditioning system was re-gassed. Prior to this, in 2014, Mercedes-Benz of Monaco fitted a new air-conditioning condenser, radiator, water pump and ABS unit.

The car’s most recent MOT test pass was in October 2020, though this was done on the VIN as it was still on Monaco plates at the time, so it does not yet appear on the online MOT history record. The wheels come wrapped with Toyo tyres, which are reported to be in good condition.

Accompanying the vehicle are the previous log books, some MOT history and the relevant import and export documentation. The re-registration process is currently in progress, so it will be handed over to the next owner with an updated V5C once received from the DVLA.

Reported to be a money-no-object purchase in 1986, with a smart colour scheme and desirable optional extras, this Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC is a well-preserved flagship coupe with intriguing provenance. It would make a worthy addition to any collection of modern classics.

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