1989 – Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC « Wide body »

French circulation permit Chassis n°WDB1260451A508331 - One of the pioneers of the modern GT era - 279 hp 5.6L V8 version - Particularly successful Wide Body styling - Less than 182,500 kms on the odometer Location: Paris region The Mercedes W126 coupe on offer is a 560 SEC model, the best version of its time with its 43 mkg torque 5.6L V8! The car was delivered new just a few days before the fall of the Berlin Wall, and while it remains mechanically true to the original, its presentation has been highly refined (at the risk of failing the steroid test), in the purest Wide Body style: three-piece AMG wheels, wide fenders, spoiler, rocker panels, AMG steering wheel, leather extending to the roof and rear deck... The images speak for themselves. This model, launched in Germany in October 1989, is a catalyzed version developing just under 300 hp. According to the Histovec report available, the car was imported into France in 2003 and had only one owner from then until 2018, before two more up to the present day. With just under 182500 kms on the clock, this 560 SEC is in satisfactory condition for its age, both aesthetically and mechanically. Presentation and a few finishing details could be improved, but the upholstery is well preserved. The mechanics are sound, and the gearbox was overhauled less than 5000 kms ago. The roadworthiness certificate is less than 6 months old. However, as the car has not been driven much in recent years, given the sophisticated nature of this model, it would be advisable to have it serviced before contemplating long journeys, for greater peace of mind. A folder of invoices and maintenance instructions in French accompanies this emblematic GT. In the mid-80s (and at night), nothing was too expensive, nothing too beautiful, and above all, nothing too flashy... So when a Mercedes 560 SEL sedan priced at 11 years of minimum wage was too common, and the 560 SEC coupé too discreet, tuning (and the VIP lounge of the palace or the New Starflash Lazerline) was the only way to stand out: from the outrageous Koenig to be driven in a Tacchini tracksuit to AMG for the classiest, in Nebuloni loafers. This 560 SEC "Wide Body" has clearly chosen its camp. So, back to the '80s? Introduced in 1981, the Mercedes SEC W126 coupe - unlike its predecessor, the SLC - is based on the SL's extended W107 platform, that of the S-Class, with a wheelbase shortened by 10 centimeters. It is distinguished by its elegance, with taut lines, a fairly low body and a few details such as the absence of a center pillar with descending side windows. From the outset, it benefits from the safety features brought to the sedan, such as seatbelt pretensioners and an optional driver's airbag. Aimed above all at the American market, and in order to offer first-rate performance, only V8 engines are available, under the respective names 380 and 500 (in reference to the displacements) on release. In the early days of the SEC coupé, the 500, with its 4,973 cm3 V8 developing 231 hp and a 4-speed automatic transmission, was the top of the range. The upholstery, with its four generous seats, is also luxurious, the dashboard is covered with inserts imitating precious wood, and the quality of the finish is beyond reproach. What's more, the options available in the catalog are also state-of-the-art, with all-electric upholstery, cruise control/limiters and an electric sunroof to name but a few. This was the queen of the large luxury coupé category, and despite prohibitive prices, it enjoyed a certain success. The first changes only came at the end of 1985, with the wheels increasing in size from 14 to 15 inches, more wraparound fascias and more integrated body cladding, while the engines were redesigned. The 3.8L V8 gave way to a 218 hp 4.2L for the 420 SEC, while the 5L reached 245 hp and a big 300 hp 5.6L made its appearance with the range-topping 560 SEC. As the top-of-the-range version, the latter sees its equipment further enriched with electric seats and windows, automatic air-conditioning, rear levelling, and more.