1 of 1! Day-o! FACTORY special ordered 1985 Mercedes 500SEL for a SPECIAL customer! Chiquita Banana

We buy this VERY special 1 of 1 1985 Mercedes 500SEL from a prominent Wichita KS family. It was custom ordered from the factory in this special color with lots of other special features like velour interior! They flew to Europe and had it built then drove around Europe then shipped home. What a story! What do you think of our Chiquita Banana? Will follow up with a detailed video overview soon.
Have a great day and HAPPY Motoring!
Check out the car on our website here:
www.euroasiana...
Get your Euroasian Merchandise here:
threadbear.sto...

[@TomReardon-b1k]

I'm very familiar with this Mercedes. I've ridden in it many times and driven it a bit too. It has quite a story and was special ordered to spec. The color was a special order as well as the fabric seats. The pominent owner and his wife took delivery in Stuttgart, drove it around the continent before shipping it home to Wichita. The personalized plate is a dedication to his wife and it was her favorite car of all they owned over the years. Their personal assistant was my friend and caretake of it for over 30 years. I certify it was very cherished from day one.

[@euroasianbob9268]

Thank you very much for the wonderful stories and history. I drove the car around last weekend and could sense what a special car it is. It’s in beautiful condition but I will make it even better. It deserves all love it gets!

[@b2becky1]

Thanks for responding with your history with this amazing car! You can feel how special it truly is! ❤

[@Team33Team33]

@@euroasianbob9268 Sorry to bust your bubble but this mercedes is a standard european colour (not common for a 500 S though) and the corduroy seat covers were the base line for mercedes S models as they were almost all sold with leather, thus the corduroy seats being more expensive because the production line had to be changed to allow specially for it.... Below corduroy was simili plastic leather which was fine for taxis. The previous "president" is correct: It's a regular factory colour code. Love these cars. Pity the original wheels were changed because it really did look the part with the original alloys - even steel rims with hub caps look better than what's currently on it. Amazing to think that this car is now over 35 years old and yet, compared with many modern cars is still a better car in every way. Marketing goes a long long way when Mercedes want to make a client believe that they have something "special" or one off. It's definitely the ONLY 500 S series that didn't have leather seats. WHY ? You'd better ask the owner before she passes away because it makes very little sense. This a bog standard EU spec 500 SEL with US market headlights. She's "had" you. LOL. Just as Mercedes Benz "had" her with the "made especially" plaque which only concerns the headlights ! Anything to please a client and bring in an extra buck or two.

[@euroasianbob9268]

@@Team33Team33 I had the vin decoded myself to verify. The paint code states “special color 000U”. It is a one off paint to sample car. She wanted the Velour seats because they are more comfortable and cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This is why you see so many euro spec cars with it. I have driven both types extensively and can testify to the added comfort. You never see on US spec cars because Americans see leather as luxury. This is a US spec car. The headlights are factory original and correct.

[@Team33Team33]

@@euroasianbob9268 headlights because she asked for them for US market and drove it in Europe for a while. I would usher you to check that vin and "one off" paint to sample with the German Mercedes club, simply because that specific colour - As said by your predecessor M Club President - IS completely "off the shelf" standard ! As for velours seats: The AC and heating in tehse cars is so good that it really is a matter of personal taste. Corduroy - why not, but again it's nothing special. It was standard if you didn't choose leather.

[@markbigbadbear]

I wonder how long it'll take before we get a video of Hoovie sniffing around this one 😂😂

[@euroasianbob9268]

Meeting him for brunch today! ;)

[@bobsmmrs8712]

You’ll need to drive it into a ditch and drop the price to lowest in the “?” to qualify for him.

[@bobfox2733]

And the Wizzard

[@Proctorsgarage]

If he doesn’t I’ll buy it 😂

[@JasonFlorida]

Nah, too nice and too little miles for Tyler

[@JackBeckman]

Beautiful car, and I agree it will look even better with the original-style wheels. Obviously well-cared-for.

[@euroasianbob9268]

Yes! Can’t wait to get it back on stock wheels and tires!

[@jaybokay6444]

I’m from Germany and this car is a real unicorn. You won’t find anything like that in this pristine condition even in Germany. Congrats on that great find. You should keep it, it’s an absolute time capsule and a soon to be very rare and precious Oldtimer.

[@jaybokay6444]

No, it’s not. There were only a handful S-class taxis out here in the 80´s but usually W124.

[@altergreenhorn]

@@dotlaj wrong colour, German taxi aint yellow, not many S class as taxi as well.

[@djmech3871]

Buy the car and ship it back to Germany.

[@jaybokay6444]

@@djmech3871 How much is it?

[@iljunelee8847]

My grandfather had a 1990 560 SEL with velour. It was an option. US one.

[@my1vice]

The 126 is really in a class by itself. Still an elegant looking car.

[@WashburnD10]

What a gorgeous automobile. Look at those classic Mercedes gauges and the customisations. Great video Bob.

[@compu85]

The euro delivery program sounded like a really good deal. You'd get a vacation for nearly free! Not many USA spec cars were had with the velour interior. It was a no cost option. According to LastVin, this car has a custom paint color! (SPECIAL PAINTWORK (000U)) I wasn't aware you could get that in the USA. ABS was standard for the USA market for 85. What a nicely preserved example!

[@euroasianbob9268]

Great information!

[@mickeymichaels1298]

​@@euroasianbob9268when I was a kid, my brother and I used to practically study car catalogs, but especially Mercedes. I remember seeing quite a few Mercedes with cloth and velour seats overseas but velour was rare in the US and cloth was unavailable. I also remember velour (which I LOVE) being a no cost option in the US in models with standard leather (SEL, SLC, SEC) and costing the same as the leather option in all those with vinyl standard. Again, that's in the US and it varied in different markets. In Germany and some other countries, cloth was standard and even vinyl was a cost option. I've seen 116 and 126 models with cloth seats and roll up windows. I also saw 116 and 107 with with no AC and manual transmissions. The SL could not have velour. I'm sure it was so that it wouldn't be ruined by rain.

[@Primemediapromotions]

My dad DREAMED of buying a mercedes in Germany and bring it back.. sadly he couldnt do it because he kept having my brothers (4)..

[@petercollingwood522]

Gorgeous example. I'm from South Africa originally and yellow was quite common on Mercedes made there. There were quite a few 116's in yellow and I remember seeing several 126's in the same hues as well when they first came out. Seemed to lose popularity over time and I doubt there were any being made toward the end of production. If I had the money I'd almost buy it just for the color. Completely bored with the standard black, silver, white, and every kind of grey dull earth tone in between on almost every vehicle made today. Especially at the top end of the market

[@graemestewart7007]

I was going to say the same thing. Many W126 mercs were yellow. Still love them.

[@akshonclip]

This color was on MB’s swatch panel because these were used as taxi’s in Europe and the middle east.

[@jaybokay6444]

Actually the typical German taxi color is Hellelfenbein which translates to light ivory.

[@niouts]

Yes

[@TomReardon-b1k]

I believe the wheels were upgraded shortly after they bought the car if it wasn't delivered with them. I don't remember a time that it wasn't on those alloys. The tag MEFMD stands for "Made Especially For Marilyn DeBoer". That was her color. They owned a 450SL and a 1952 220B Cabriolet all in that signature colour. It's not just another Mercedes. It is very unique and was kept in impeccable condition at all times. It's a gem and I hope it's preserved as one. Quite an automobile. Of all of the cars that my friend Keven Smith maintained for them, this was his favorite.

[@euroasianbob9268]

Thanks for sharing! Correct, the wheels are aftermarket reproduction copies of the 92’ up S Class. I asked about the original wheels and waiting to hear. Would you know who to ask about where the original wheels are? I want to put back to original.

[@mickeymichaels1298]

This 500 SEL is an 85 but that wheel design didn't exist until the early 90s or even a bit later.

[@JasonFlorida]

Wow, the info that's being shared is so very cool and special!

[@cliffvictoria3863]

Really interesting car, Bob! That color is definitely 1 of 1. Plus the velour. I'm often amazed at how good you are at finding these cars. Nice job!

[@davidedgar2818]

My boss in the mid 80's custom ordered a Mercedes just like that but turbo diesel and in a cocoa brown. The interior was the same and it had the name badge. They picked it up in Germany and drove it around Europe for three weeks. Returning to Germany the car was finalized for u.s. standards (different bumpers) and shipped to the local Scottsdale dealer. It was an era of more subtle elegance but it was smooth and peppy for it's size and weight.

[@mickeymichaels1298]

Love the story but all European delivery cars were US models. They're not converting to US bumpers before shipping. It was built that way. The only difference I've heard of that they did have to modify before the customer returning to the US with his Mercedes was long ago when Europe still didn't have unleaded gas. It would've ruined the catalytic converter so they would only add it before the car was sent to the US. Additionally, all 300 SD models of both 116 and 126 series were built specifically for the US market and all had US headlights, bumpers, etc. I saw a few running around in Portugal with a Portuguese plate or plate from other European countries but all were US models.

[@perryelyod4870]

13:30 I couldn't help but notice as the car was pulled out, all the drab grey and white trucks and SUV's in the background. The only vehicle that was an actual colour was this Mercedes.

[@euroasianbob9268]

Exactly!

[@Heve62]

Shame my 126 is dark grey :D

[@euroasianbob9268]

@@Heve62 all great cars!

[@altergreenhorn]

Beautiful car apart of US spec headlights, bumpers.

[@ericgiddio1259]

Love it Bob. I've been lucky enough to have that excitement picking up one of these beautiful Mercedes-Benz. I definitely can relate and tell how special it is for you.

[@reinaldoaponte4872]

What an unique car with a nice story. I had done many European Delivery with Mercedes-Benz and was Fantastic. I suggest to get the original Bundt Wheels.

[@richkuban2027]

Thanks for revivings some great memories of early 80’s Mercedes. Love the velour interior. Definitely deserves original style wheels. Got to enjoy a 560 SEC and 190 2.3 16V from that time period. Wonderful rock solid cars. I remember hearing $800 for a brake job on a Mercedes at the time.

[@akshonclip]

Perfect car for “Urination” Bob. 😂

[@euroasianbob9268]

Ok. I have to chuckle on that one. Lol.

[@onemat2000]

Really nice. I hate yellow but I'd get used to it.

[@kobbetop]

Taxi yellow, cool! The way those doors shut after all the years is just Mercedes at its best. What a gem.

[@jaybokay6444]

It’s not taxi yellow. German taxi color is actually not yellow but light ivory.

[@kobbetop]

@@jaybokay6444 You are absolutely right. 👍it’s been 15 years since I was in Germany…

[@Marklin15]

That warning triangle is the unique ECE warning triangle that came in cars delivered to countries like France where the standard red and white triangle was not allowed but the orange and red triangle was.

[@davidraezer5937]

That is one really cool V126! Had a 87 V126 560 and IMHO is one of the best cars ever built. Still have a 86 C126 560 and love it just the same.

[@m00m00g1]

If it were me, I would (1) replace the existing wheels with the same type/style as the spare tire in the trunk, and (2) replace the US-spec headlights with the Euro/Int'l headlights. Btw, from the vid, based on the split windows and rear seats, were you driving a Subaru SVX?

[@Tsenngu]

That car is incredibly nice for 112k miles first of all and being a 1 of 1 with the color and velour is smooth. Those old mercs are pretty sweet.

[@bluestove4716]

Very similar to Mercedes Yellow DB 624... beautiful car.

[@increiblepelotudo]

Sooooo pretty!! Want one so bad! Well, actually, the dream car for me would either a 190 in very gods shape (or after the clarity leaves my brain, a model T). Thanks Bob!!

[@w124mercedes7]

Best built cars in the world. I own a 87 300d and 87 300sdl and love them both. I care for them very well and enjoy working on them. I keep the engine bay spotless on my cars. There is no feeling in the world like lifting the hood to a spotless engine bay and the thud of the doors closing. Too bad mercedes doesn't build good cars anymore 😕

[@Faza_M]

Man i love velour seats on an old benz

[@jasonknight5863]

That’s such a coincidence that as you turned on the radio for the first time.. Michael Jackson in the 80’s was playing. He had a 1985 Mercedes 500 SEL in black has it for many years before he gave it to his Aunt who eventually sold it.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

Nice old gent and hearing about car and the owners history what great.

[@PeterCox-k1w]

112k is not that many miles, nicely maintained needs an attentive owner

[@dgpaliza]

This is a very nice car inside and out Bob. You have done it again. I cracked up on the Marvin the Martian impression at the end.

[@pas-kv8ud]

That yellow is definitely an acquired taste. No thanks.

[@alphakky]

I agree. It would look better with the OEM wheels.

[@sadubone]

My brother had an early 450SL in that color. When it came time for a repaint he kept the color because as he said you just didn't it any where else.

[@jcritter9295]

Learned to drive in a 1962 Mercedes. Just bought my actual first Mercedes. 1990 300e. Sat for few years. I drive it daily now after a few repairs. Love to get a wagon or one of these with the V8’s.

[@bicyclist2]

I absolutely love this car. Especially the very unique yellow color. The nice tan velour interior is also a surprise. I remember Doug D reviewed a factory yellow Mercedes a few years ago. I'm sure that this car could easily win a Concourse event. I completely agree about the stock wheels. I remember riding in a silver one of these back in the 80's. I know Mercedes made some diesel versions as well. Thank you.

[@euroasianbob9268]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jasonmirabile5184]

I LOVE Mercedes especially classics like this. Thanks to you and Tyler for bringing so many classic MBs to us on KZbin!!

[@euroasianbob9268]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@chele-chele]

Classy ride Bob, it suits you well...

[@clonexradio]

what a time capsule, how does he keep finding these gems? not sure if i could ever get over the yellow though.

[@leonardovalladares4315]

Love that mercedez one of my uncle used to work on mercedes

[@KirksAudioSanctum]

Hi dad, long lost son here! My old account.... ANYWAY! I LOVE THE COLOUR, AMAZING FIND! You know it does not need cleaning! Right, but I would keep this. If I was in your family circle you would never be able to sell anything. I would have ever one. Because boy, do you find them. Amazing! You are the car whisperer. Which is what I shall call you from now on!

[@euroasianbob9268]

Lol! Thanks for watching and commenting Son ;)

[@KirksAudioSanctum]

@@euroasianbob9268 does this mean that car is mine now? Shipping it to the UK will take a long time! 😂🤣😂 Thanks Bob. Don't change.

[@euroasianbob9268]

@@KirksAudioSanctum 😂

[@MatosJr1004]

Great car , my favorite all time ❤❤❤

[@JeffMiletich]

Was the original owner by any chance a taxi driver? Body & interior look like a taxi. And they did this on purpose??

[@whitef67]

Suppose I’ll need to stop by Shift while downtown today and check that out.

[@euroasianbob9268]

It’s currently in my garage :). Couldn’t resist driving it and drove it home Friday.

[@xharding]

Stunning car and colour.

[@arthurdardalis]

Love the colour, also rare for US-spec is the fact that it has rear headrests. Which idiot at MB America decided to spec US cars with leather interiors without rear headrests?

[@Marklin15]

They were standard on the US 500SEL but I agree it doesn’t make sense why rear headrests were left as an option. The US W126 and W124 had them standard from 1986 onwards but left them as an option on W201 even though Canadian W201 models had them standard from 1986 like the other models. Canadian cars also had front heated seats standard on all models.

[@torygyberg8837]

Bob, you gotta keep that creampuff!

[@christopherkraft1327]

Hey Bob & Becky, this yellow Mercedes is spectacular inside & out!!! You've got yourself a real time capsule!!! 👍👍🙂

[@euroasianbob9268]

Agreed!

[@b2becky1]

It really is!

[@chaimshamza5850]

Colour os sahar yellow.

[@TheNismo777]

Oh my heart! Perfectly new and its yellow! Its so very perfect. Love it. Might be the very best 500 in the US

[@euroasianbob9268]

Might not be the best but definitely the only one! Lol.

[@johnpapia8128]

What a sweet cat

[@michaelbrennan7148]

Sweet ride!! Thanks for the trip down memory lane. 😊

[@djmech3871]

I just searched Jack DeBoer, has was a successful hotel/apartment developer. Jack was an aviation enthusiast who set some speed records. Best of all I found a 1953 yellow Mercedes 220 Cabriolet for sale in Wichita, it must be his.

[@Backwardlooking]

When Mercedes were MERCEDES and engineered to last. 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@euroasianbob9268]

Exactly!

[@Backwardlooking]

@@euroasianbob9268 ✌️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇺🇸

[@LacDole]

WOW!! 😍

[@MGBranco]

OMG....

[@RDEnduro]

Wow it's so nice inside and out, the silver mirrors and greyish cladding with chrome are an excellent accent to the yellow. Sometimes it looks like a cab though heha

[@euroasianbob9268]

Uber Uber!

[@vladansretenovic1952]

I believe I saw a 300SD in this colour, altrough cloth interior on US car is pretty much rare and exclusive these days…

[@Regis019Beck]

unique W126 example, in my opinion the factory wheels could be back on the car. congrats

[@euroasianbob9268]

Going back to original wheels.

[@Regis019Beck]

@@euroasianbob9268 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@Chuks-n8t]

In its day, nothing came close.. Great car. Well ahead of its time..Timeless look..

[@garymartin9806]

I like it because it’s different.

[@euroasianbob9268]

Yes!

[@baitse7676]

Nice car! Sounds like control pressure is too high at the warm up regulator. That's why you are having such hard cold starts. Pressure should start low and increase as it warms up. The control pressure is the restriction on the air meter flap, so the easier it moves, the richer it runs.

[@euroasianbob9268]

Battery was low. Fires right up every time now after driving and charging.

[@vladgladkov237]

My congratulations I got saab 9.5 2000 wagon manual low miles for good price

[@jeffb6786]

Beautiful, classic 126. Great find! I remember seeing that color on several 123's back in the day, but not a 126. It looks good though, and I've always liked Mercedes' cloth seats; they just look kind of elegant. I almost expected to see crank windows, but I'm glad they went for the electric, and the heated seats. I know what you mean about the cold and snow. I live one state over in Colorado, and it's supposed to be -12 tomorrow night, and snow all night tonight. It's a balmy -5 at the moment. Keep the Benz warm.

[@nickcate9377]

Well cared for Mercedes. I couldn't do that yellow though. Makes it look like a taxi.

[@Bod8998]

Nice motor shame about the yank headlights clown car.one thing there good at is ruining the look of a European car with the lights and bumpers.got that down to a tee.still very nice car.shame about the taxi colour but still impressive

[@truxton1000]

Front left bonnet is misaligned, should probably be possible to align it, but strange.

[@b2becky1]

I’m can’t believe how much I DIG Chiquita!! ❤

[@euroasianbob9268]

Day-o!

[@vladgladkov237]

Look svx bertone style Italian design subaru

[@johnanchovie2b]

Suxh a beautiful example of the type. I just love the color.

[@tsgorman]

That car was never driven in the rain or snow...what a time capsule!

[@alastairchestnutt6416]

Lovely colour. In Europe the headlamps were different and in my opinion prettier. I think if was the law that enforced that style in USA.

[@euroasianbob9268]

This is a USA spec car.

[@agrippa1234]

Liked to reference to "Of Mice and Men"................

[@vladgladkov237]

Rare car you find rare like pujo pejo Peugeot

[@geriatricmotorcars9516]

Those wheels are not period to start with , 5 years too early

[@euroasianbob9268]

Check out this special car on our website: www.euroasianauto.com/details/used-1985-mercedes-benz-500-class/100014723 Get your Euroasian merchandise here: threadbear.store/collections/euroasian-bob

[@KN-bw6gu]

If someone cuts you off they cant say "i didnt see you!"

[@donaldholman9070]

Toronto police cars used to be that colour.

[@Deathwish682]

I had the pleasure of seeing this car in person today. The color immediately stands out and it is in immaculate condition. Great find Bob!

[@euroasianbob9268]

Hey there! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@vladgladkov237]

Yellow like taxi in Germany

[@mbkomfort]

Very nice and thank you 😊

[@SheerMagnetismDarling007]

I like the original wheels 🛞

[@JasonFlorida]

You mentioned 91 non ethanol fuel... I am in the middle if purchasing a very clean, one owner, 2005 S430 with only 91k. The previous owner was an attorney and it's well maintained. I'm interested on what you or any feedback on what type/octane fuel to use????

[@euroasianbob9268]

Later fuel injection systems are designed for modern fuel with ethanol. Just use a quality source 91 octane with 10 percent ethanol max fuel and you will be fine. Cars that sit a long time without being driven suffer more.

[@nigelfrost]

Good buy spin it over dude

[@w124mercedes7]

Do you have plans for the rims. I have been looking for a set to buy for my 87 300sdl.

[@euroasianbob9268]

I will be selling them. Send me a message on our website if interested.

[@bennyboogenheimer4553]

2,300 miles a year.

[@wallyn9551]

Mr Bob : I noticed a red Acura on your lift is it a 87 or 88 I owned one way back then brand new you just don’t see those anymore because of rusting out is that going to be a finished product someday? Would like to know Thanks! From an avid fan

[@euroasianbob9268]

It’s another Shift persons car. Not mine.

[@wallyn9551]

@@euroasianbob9268 Thanks for responding tell him good luck on his rebuild Keep up the good work !!!

[@vladgladkov237]

Thank for video

[@Rich.Aardvark]

Lovely Vehicle

[@markbradl8651]

What a beautiful car

[@auto.impulse]

Such a classy lady ♡

[@cmcb7230]

To my knowledge MB will paint your any color as long as it is in the MB catalog, so you could get an SL painted in a unimog orange color. You just have to pay a lot more.

[@euroasianbob9268]

Wouldn’t it have a Mercedes paint name and code though? The paint code for this car is “special paintwork 000U”. The trim had a regular number paint code 75.

[@dhinds5927]

It sure is yellow

[@seanhershey3390]

Taxi spec.

[@badapple65]

Kool!

[@nickolaslewis1560]

The 126 was the best that Mercedes Benz made.

[@euroasianbob9268]

I would have to agree!

[@normalizedaudio2481]

Is that the Lemon color? Hydraulic systems, be careful.

[@MikeBMW]

Nice car, Bob! Love the Bugs Bunny reference! :D

[@euroasianbob9268]

Lol! Glad you got it!

[@MikeBMW]

@@euroasianbob9268 I had a friend who named his dog George and this instantly popped into my head - I had to show him the clip of the abominable snowman. :)