For Sale: 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500 in Katwijk, Netherlands

Picture this: it is 1980, and the W126 series takes over from the W116 as Mercedes-Benz's flagship model. With its distinctly more modern lines, this car proved to be a tremendous leap forward. The W126 was the first Mercedes-Benz in which you could order an airbag. A genuine novelty back then! In Europe, the W126 was available with six- and eight-cylinder engines ranging from 160 to 300 bhp. In 1985, a modest yet highly successful facelift arrived, bringing new six-cylinder engines and the top model: the 560 SE/SEL. In mid-1991, production of the saloon ceased in favour of the W140. The coupe version (SEC) remained available until 1992. Among Mercedes-Benz aficionados, the W126 is known as the most beautiful S-Class ever built. This white example, which we found in Germany, is a pre-facelift car and has covered a mere 76,000 km. Thanks to its age, this long-wheelbase V8 is exempt from road tax in the Netherlands, permanently. Just imagine: taking a luxurious Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL out on the road at 0.00 in road tax! If that does not put a smile on your face, we do not know what will. Mind you, that does not mean cheap motoring, because with fuel consumption of around 7.5 km per litre, this S-Class is in no position to rival a modern city car. But who on earth would fuss over that! This is about comfort, of course, and back in the mid-eighties, over there in Stuttgart, they wrote that word with a very big capital C. The car is as original as an unrestored example can possibly be, and it drives exactly as a car with 76,525 km should drive: quiet, impeccable and delightful. The basics such as air conditioning, a sunroof and rear headrests are naturally all present (though this was not standard practice at Das Haus in those years: not seldom did we come across cars without air conditioning and with wind-up windows that still cost a small fortune when new), and the history is right where the history ought to be: in the glovebox. This 500 SEL is more than an ordinary car, it is a piece of history, a rare snapshot of its era, lovingly preserved and cared for. A car that belongs under a cover in your garage, or that ferries you from A to B on every sunny day. And the best part of all? It is already waiting for you in our showroom in Katwijk. You are most welcome to come and view it at your leisure. The coffee is hot and freshly brewed, and we will gladly take the time to tell you all about this unique Mercedes-Benz. This is not an opportunity that comes around often, this is an invitation to make a dream come true. **Distinctive features** - First registered in November 1984 at Emil Frey Geneva, Switzerland - Original Swiss purchase invoice present (87,895 CHF) - Fully stamped service booklet from delivery onwards - Three owners in forty years (Switzerland, twice Spain) - Exterior colour Blanc (code 737) with leather interior (code 271) - Anti-theft window etching with certificate from 1985 - Spanish MOT history shows minimal use (an average of 260 km per year) - Long wheelbase (SEL) for optimal rear-seat comfort - Exempt from road tax in the Netherlands! With a cup of coffee and Kraftwerk playing in the background, Nick Slinger