Vehicle Description
In the late-80s, the heaviest of heavy-hitters was the
Mercedes-Benz S-class, with the dramatic 500 SEL sedan at the top
of the hierarchy. Luxury machines like this very attractive Pearl
Grey 1989 Euro-spec example could hammer the Autobahn all day at
triple-digit speeds, coddling their occupants like no other car in
the world. For a car that cost the equivalent of more than $100,000
when it was new, this is a great way to get incredible luxury at an
incredible discount.
Few cars have a more commanding road presence than an S-class
Mercedes, and you'll have no trouble cruising through traffic with
this handsome sedan. It's probably wearing its original paint, and
it goes to show you what the best paint in the world can deliver,
because it still looks great. Of course, some of that is probably
thanks to enthusiastic owners, but there's no denying that this car
has led an easy life in its globe trekking lifetime. The big sedan
has style in spades, with a formal profile and sleek lines (aided
greatly by the Euro bumpers and headlights) that definitely
announce that this big Benz takes no prisoners. In typical German
fashion, the design is restrained and the clean lines minimize the
car's size, but there's no denying that this is a lot of sheetmetal
hammering down the road. A few bits of chrome, like the surround
for the window opening emphasizes the car's best attributes, and
there's just no mistaking the big 3-pointed star up front that
moves lesser traffic out of the way like a snow plow. Yes, it's 30
years old and there are a few very minor wrinkles here and there,
but even a middle-aged Muhammad Ali was still formidable.
Inside, the S-class got every luxury and convenience item Mercedes
engineers could imagine in 1989. Power black leather buckets are
firm and supportive and in shockingly good condition considering
the age on this heavy cruiser. Gorgeous door panels feature
different materials and shapes that helped Mercedes break out of
its cold, impersonal interior look, and the burled walnut on the
center console warms it up inside nicely. Big, clear instruments
are similar to those Mercedes always offered, and there's a massive
stereo system featuring a Continental AM/FM/CD head unit and
speakers fitted throughout the interior. Heated seats, automatic
climate control, power windows, and a giant trunk are all included,
making this a first-class luxury liner.
The 5.0 liter V8 under the hood is one of Mercedes' most reliable
units, capable of running for hundreds of thousands of miles with
little more than basic maintenance. Torquey and smooth, it moves
the big sedan with the effortless ease of an electric motor, and
the relentless push of torque makes it feel like it could
accelerate forever. Beautifully maintained, the engine bay is
nearly spotless (another reason we're leaning toward those
kilometers as being original, despite the lack of undeniable
proof), from the big aluminum air cleaner lid to all the hoses and
wires that comprise what was, at the time, the world's most
technically advanced automobile. Obviously, someone loved this one
and the maintenance means that it's still bulletproof reliable
today. It's the same deal underneath, where there's a 4-speed
automatic with syrupy smooth shifts and a fully independent
suspension that soaks up bumps like a hovercraft. Classic
Mercedes-Benz alloy wheels look right and wear right-sized Michelin
performance radials.
First-class accommodations and a ton of luxury for the price of a
mid-class Hyundai. And this one is loaded with manuals and even the
original tool-kit, a further example of its well-preserved status.
Gray market Euro-specs don't pop in the US too often, and when they
do, they don't last long. Call today!
