For Sale at Auction: 1991 Mercedes-Benz 560 in Amelia Island, Florida

Chassis No. WDBCA45E3MA610849

"A modern grand-touring coupe with the century-old pedigree of Mercedes-Benz" is how the 560 SEC was described by Mercedes in period advertising. When new, it was ferociously expensive, carrying a base price exceeding $80,000 which was nearly four times the average U.S. salary in 1991. That commanding price reflected an exceptional level of standard equipment, much of which remains impressive even by contemporary standards.

Power came from the refined 5.5-liter M117 V8, producing 238 horsepower and paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The lengthy list of standard amenities included electric seat-belt presenters, power-adjustable front seats and steering column with two-position memory, a limited-slip differential, self-leveling rear suspension, headlamp wipers, dual front airbags, heated front seats, an electric sliding sunroof with rear pop-up function, town and country horns, and automatic climate control. All of it was housed within Bruno Sacco's restrained and elegant C126 coupe bodywork.

A digital copy of the original window sticker confirms delivery through Lai Motors Inc. of Dallas, Texas, with the original owner purchasing the car in Missouri in June 1992. Finished in Black over Grey leather, the car carried a total list price of $85,850, which is equivalent to over $200,000 today. According to its clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report, it remained with its original owner until November 2020, at which time it relocated to Arizona showing just 10,221 miles.

Now displaying fewer than 12,955 miles at cataloging, this 560 SEC presents as a remarkably well-preserved and highly original example. One notable deviation from its factory specification is the discreet addition of a Bluetooth adapter integrated into the original Becker radio. With mileage and provenance that are increasingly difficult to replicate, this SEC stands among the most compelling surviving examples of Mercedes-Benz's flagship C126 coupe.