The Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC AMG is pure '80s excess | The Next Big Thing with Magnus Walker | Ep. 201

Magnus Walker is back! In this second season of The Next Big Thing, Magnus continues to explore possible future classics, ranging from the quirky and underrated to the forgotten and unappreciated. In this premiere episode, he focuses on a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC AMG.
It was the power car of the '80s, a time when stockbrokers were all business during the day and all party (and more business) during the night. But like many 80s icons, the 500SEC AMG seems to have lost its shine. Magnus takes one for a spin through the streets of NYC to see if yesterday’s status symbol can still be a presence today.
Mercedes-Benz 500SEC
Hagerty Valuation Tools: www.hagerty.com/apps/valuatio...
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Episode chapters:
0:00 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC AMG
0:55 Vehicle overview
1:46 Bridging inspiration
2:46 The empire state of power and status
3:53 The second shift AKA the real business hours
4:19 Vehicle review
4:55 Who is today’s 500SEC AMG buyer?
6:18 Uptown cruise
7:18 Downtown moves
7:50 Special thanks
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#MercedesAMG #MagnusWalker #NeverStopDriving

[@thequietrebel7695]

3:05 - “Gentlemen, you know the rules: there shall be NO business conducted on Continental grounds!”

[@blocksterz]

He looks like a man who pays in Gold coins

[@JDMEXforme]

"He's not the boogeyman, he's the guy you send to kill the boogeyman"

[@jorgetalamantes8674]

I see you are a man of culture 😏

[@davedhar2531]

That’s in front of delmonocos. The continental isn’t far away

[@dedygho]

@@davedhar2531 that's the location of the Continental in the John Wick movie...

[@shAdOwstAlkEr945]

That rat at the end gave the most New York vibe. It just ain't new york without seeing a rat. Very authentic

[@ericbrown606]

I thought the exact thing. That was such a great shot lol perfectly matched the ny aesthetic.

[@DIZAZZO]

The rat is a paid actor.

[@islamdo]

Yes I saw one time a RAT eating pizza like no one

[@petrolventure]

@@islamdo were there any turtles around?

[@trt5634]

i came here for this comment

[@janson2911]

I hate this series. Now everyone would finally take notice on all of this hidden gem and my savings would be meaningless. Seriously though, such a great film and Magnus is a great presenter. Hagerty is on fire

[@Leasehackr]

Beautiful series, but yeah, “Next Best Thing” sounds like real estate agents selling an up-and-coming neighborhood that will soon double in value. Automotive gentrification 😆

[@DuBstep115]

Me: don't make a video about R129

[@cornishrider]

W124 E500's are awful so don't make a video about them! 😆

[@DuBstep115]

@@cornishrider w126 and E500? You mean 500SE? Because E500 is w124 and they already did video about that.

[@dragospahontu]

@@cornishrider Maybe Lexus SC ia better

[@alexjensen990]

Whoever picked the music for this episode deserves a bonus. I found myself read, rereading, and reading again the description for music links despite that 500SEC being one of my favorite body designs of all time. Love that car, but this sound track is distractingly good.

[@febobebo9634]

Yeah, the music made this video a work of art. It went so well with the scenes.

[@bramcp]

sick edit. the soundtrack really gives the 80s feel

[@automotiveaffairsshorts]

Absolutely… the music is magnificent 👌

[@JFdotMUSIAL]

Thank you! All Mitch, but glad you liked the direction.

[@princesssolace4337]

Not for me it ain't

[@fitzgoblin81]

Word

[@benjaminJrabbit]

"Word Up" - Cameo

[@oasdfe1691]

this production was a work of art

[@TeardropSidemarker]

Magnus’ commentary was great, but I’d love an instrumental version of just the car, 4am Manhattan, and the Synthwave soundtrack.

[@JFdotMUSIAL]

Appreciated! We try!

[@fitzgoblin81]

Seriously epic.

[@fitzgoblin81]

@@TeardropSidemarker soooo good

[@chamade166]

Except for the homeless guy…wtf…Jesus is crying

[@daniel635biturbo]

Very nice shot and edited ! Who else spotted that Nissan 300 ZX ? could be the next big thing as well !

[@jamesparker1121]

Yeah, at 4:05. Timeless classic.

[@Kobayashi360]

The next next big thing

[@craigfalconer8699]

I spotted the rat running across the road at 7:43

[@styre]

Beautiful red, I came here in the comments cause I just knew

[@andipajeroking]

And the Alfa Spider.

[@petardenchev75]

In my humble and biased opinion, this is the most beautiful Mercedes. I remember admiring this car in my childhood when it was new.

[@nadk8886]

Yes. It's the 'perfect' Mercedes. Over engineered and design

[@roadtripusa9433]

Agree. I like the 4 door a little better, but I might be a smudge biased with my 89 560SEL in the garage. 😇

[@Krisxx8_]

Bulgarin?

[@petardenchev75]

@@Krisxx8_ Да

[@EvolveAutomotive]

Loving the 80's vibes from this video! Very cool cars to the SEC's.

[@r-rtz]

you alive manchild ?

[@nadk8886]

04:27 that rolling shot with the steam coming out drain is pure NYC

[@beagelbird1]

Prices just went up 5 grand! Thanks Mag!

[@1koolkat76]

The “quintessential” Mercedes of the 80’s. This is one cool car.

[@badassgt]

Im assuming this video was done around 4 am for the night driving scene.

[@LY3355]

100%. And the day shots maybe on a Sunday morning. Low traffic. People sleeping in! Very smart and great aesthetics.

[@881qyk]

or during a pandemic lockdown, but good point!

[@michaelleffler5219]

the clock in the instrument cluster stated 3 am. chex out.

[@JFdotMUSIAL]

@@LY3355 You nailed it. Saturday to Sunday morning shoot. 10pm to 10am. Long night for us!

[@JFdotMUSIAL]

@@881qyk 4 weeks ago!

[@baxlife334]

Always loved this car and have always wanted one. To me this is what Mercedes Benz really is.

[@caesar810]

Absolutely right. That S class generation, being the 500SEC one of its best examples, still makes a statement (thirty years from its appearance).

[@panasonicchrome7915]

I agree on that 👍😎

[@bevan8477]

me too 🙂

[@Pete-lz5eg]

Looks like an 80s Miami Vice gangster ride

[@jeshkam]

Yeah, I suppose Albert Lombard had a 4-door version. 😎

[@fitzgoblin81]

He is a boss

[@ShaiyanHossain]

liberty city haha

[@joshuagibson2520]

Roadhouse

[@FirstOnRaceDayCapri2904]

Yup, a few appeare din the show driven by dealers.

[@anthonymeeks9275]

The cinematography and soundtrack is amazing.

[@cgmoog]

I mostly walk when I'm in Manhattan but always loved driving there. You go with the flow. The best drivers' signal all their moves, take every opening that moves them ahead of the other guy but never cut anyone off. Its a subtle aggressive style of taking what you can without sticking it to the other guy. When you see it done right its a thing of beauty.

[@2JZDestroyer]

This ain't reddit but you deserve gold

[@brandonparoly5931]

I try my best to do that here. If you see a silver C5Z in midtown, give a wave

[@cgmoog]

@@brandonparoly5931I sure will and if you see a blue C6 do the same.

[@fitzgoblin81]

Just a badass video

[@brandonparoly5931]

@@cgmoog of course, the corvette being that other next big thing

[@kulinsjanis]

My favorite car..just love proportions. Also from era, when merc were enginered to last

[@pctshooter]

I fell in love with this car when I was in High School. There were ads in the car mags for Ronal and they had the 500 SEC on Ronal R9 wheels. The car had flush headlamps with the wipers in that White Monochrome paint job. Back then, I was all about the Miami Vice wardrobe.

[@coache1nine]

Miami Vice made a lot of young men fans of Mercedes Benz and AMG.

[@deejayica]

Probably you can add a cocaine dispenser on the dashboard as a extra in those years.

[@joe-e-geo]

Yeah, he shoulda driven up to the Heights for a nostalgic buy run.

[@samyadav006]

Just watching the thumbnail and seeing it’s from “Hagerty” I knew it’s gonna be a good video but didn’t knew it’s gonna be wonderful video! Not it’s just a video but It mention the exact time The retro feeling with the same related background music Mention those old 80s stock broker time Giving the good old feelings of NY The Brooklyn bridge drive shot and other cinematic And the rats! Just made the whole video amazing! Keep growing! Your way of showing cars is just wonderful!

[@VegasShuffle]

The rat running across the shot was perfect!

[@krooner]

better than any CGI

[@oldskool1979]

That sums up NYC for you... dirty, sleezy and overpriced.

[@UDPride]

Its as iconic as a human turd on a San Fran sidewalk. Fitting end to this video. Among all the landmarks and attractions, you get rats the size of cats and endless trash littered everywhere on the streets. Welcome to the Big Apple.

[@oldskool1979]

@@UDPride haha.. ya I forgot aboutt the turds ligning the streets in Crapifornia.

[@Mashburn007]

Exactly

[@robvanza]

Already seriously collectable here, paying through your ears for a pristine condition one!

[@baxlife334]

This car went way up in price about 10 years ago. The 1990 SEC 560 AMG is 6 figures still. That is the ultimate Mercedes Benz.

[@ghepardogts]

Magnus is such a great storyteller. Alot of youtubers focus on what they subjectively feel at the moment and there are others who read out a spec sheet or focus on the driving. Magnus builds entire worlds and a background story where the cars and its driver are the protagonists.

[@SteveLowtwait]

The W126 is a wonderful chassis and the SEC (C for coupe) brings the gigantic size of the sedan down a notch which makes it look more sporty. But the S-Class isn't about sportiness, it's about luxury and comfort. I daily drive a W116 (the preceding chassis) and it's great to see the large old Mercs getting some love from Magnus and Hagerty.

[@satyakammisra]

Nice! Our family has a 40 year old w123 that we use for daily city runs. Has 289k miles - slightly restored.

[@SunnyDukes]

This was filmed and edited very well! A pleasure to watch! Makes me want to get this car!

[@ChrisTian-lf2oh]

THE Mercedes to own and drive! In my opinion, not even the 300SL can beat the looks of this perfected piece. Awesome video, Magnus!

[@samuelfitzpatrick9739]

I've looked at every one of these videos with Magnus Walker and I tell you they never get boring. Great work great videos. Best content. Extremely entertaining.

[@websterilderis2554]

I know for a fact you guys had A LOT of cuts due to NY traffic while driving in the morning. I'm surprised you guys have daylight footage.

[@johntechwriter]

I was wondering this and noticed from the shadows they were probably filming at dawn. Best light and least traffic, And I’ve got to say, the car looks pretty magnificent. It was the FU car of its day.

[@andrewgarcia3136]

I'm surprised they thought it was a good idea to shoot in NYC. There is nowhere to actually drive the car at speed other than maybe the bridges when there is no traffic

[@duanekohl5286]

Killer tunes to compliment the content!

[@genociderjill]

they were kinda cringe but still 9/10

[@daveh2612]

Wow this was a really beautifully done video! The shots and soundtrack are just perfect. I’m impressed. This is a gorgeous example of a premerger AMG Mercedes.

[@tommychev350]

Goosebumps all the way. I haven't got the coupe, but I have the 420sel long wheelbase sedan. What an era it was. I've got many cars, but a w126 is a must for any collection. Awesome music, video is spot on.

[@TheMHoH]

my favorite car from that era! Love it! owned one for a few years, sadly had to let it go about ten years ago. will get one again!

[@AUav8r05]

Love the risky business vibes. Hagerty series vids are killing it!

[@ularsach]

Sorpréndete serie de video! Espero que Magnus y Jason sigan haciendo mas videos!

[@rogerjolla2358]

4:05 that 300zx is fire though

[@thenotred]

I really love how this video is choreographed!

[@samuelnjenga350]

4:05 Nissan z32 🔥

[@Sum_Ting_Wong]

We call them the Nissan Fairlady or 300 ZX

[@kirillbrodski]

Was scrolling through, looking for this comment!

[@Theboymichaels]

3 minutes in and I feel like I’m a success story in 1985 stock exchange, what a beauty of a car, love the video shots and retro aspects, what an amazing video, I was born in 95 but I always search for a taste from times before and this has left me satisfied beyond belief. Incredible.

[@018139548]

This is a lovely put together video and a pristine example of the SEC AMG

[@Esco4Lifeee]

I could watch this for hours nonstop, damn!

[@basithph8958]

This is the peak of Mercedes IMO just a classy car

[@adamt3332]

Not only Merc it was for every brand when they have tried to be more durable than other brands... many great cars were made in 80 and mid 90

[@Ioanides001]

fantastic camera work, editing, music and review. brilliant stuff.

[@TheMightyJoggernaut]

Dude that was legendary!!! And I am totally digging the lifestyle and description of the infamous 80s

[@rjnation5042]

One of my dad's mate's had one of those things, it was so fast & comfortable on long drives, it definitely deserves its place as a car to watch, great to see you've been given a second series, Rj in Oz

[@beddle]

Absolutely love love love this.. stunning car, Magnus the embodiment of style, and my favourite city in the world.

[@cadreauribe]

This is the most beautyful review!! The car, the takes, the escenarios, all just perfecto. Gracias Maestro!!!

[@jaganvigneshkumar]

Fantastic shots of such a beautiful sedan. Thank you guys for the video

[@thiagets]

The soundtrack, so amazing. I'm not even that much into cars, but this was lit

[@Cartier_specialist]

The receptionist at the law firm I worked at in the mid 80s boyfriend had one of those. He was a professional motorcycle racer. I remember being impressed by the seat belts of all things. In case you don't know the car motors them to you so you don't have to reach for it.

[@princesssolace4337]

Freddie Spencer? Eddie Lawson? Randy Mamola? Any of the above?

[@Cartier_specialist]

@@princesssolace4337 It wasn't any of those. I can't remember his name right now and that's a shame because I was invited to their wedding and I went. It was an excessively expensive wedding because they rented an entire floor of one of the most expensive buildings in downtown Oklahoma City and they got divorced within 5 years and I thought what a waste. They also built an incredible custom house and had a child during the time they were married. He was the number 1 half mile oval racer and rode a Harley Davidson. I remember his first name was Ron but it has been so many years ago I can't remember his last name. I'll rack my brain and see if I can remember it and if I do I'll edit this reply. He was from Oklahoma City if that helps.

[@Cartier_specialist]

@@princesssolace4337 I remembered finally -- and then fact checked my memory with Google. His name is Ronnie Jones. I thought he was a champion for several years. He was a really down to earth guy but him and her failed miserably at marriage like so many other people. I remember thinking if they couldn't stay married who can. They were so in love.

[@addisonlinckcameraco.5373]

What a tribute to such a magnificent vehicle! There is nothing quite like a classic Mercedes! Thank you to Magnus Walker, Hagerty, and all of those who have made this series the incredibly captivating show that it is.

[@adh106]

This might be the best episode of the next big thing yet. 👌🏼 10/10. Cinematography. Soundtrack. The car. I’m all in.

[@magnat7]

Glad that I watched this masterpiece in my tv.

[@porleg]

I got to drive one of these one time, total head turner.

[@mr.revmatch]

One of the best vids I have seen this year!

[@gamby16a]

Such perfect proportions, especially with being lowered so perfectly. Every detail works on this car.

[@ahmadneda6674]

Probably the most beautiful car ever!

[@fitzgoblin81]

Best Video for this car for sure

[@thenotanclan]

‘Old Father Time’ drives old timer Merc in Times Square and has nice time

[@fitzgoblin81]

Magnus is a boss!

[@ahashii]

This was probably one of the best pieces of content, regardless of genre,I’ve seen in a while

[@ChristerByklum]

Fantastic car, one of my absolute favourites, and I happen to own a 1984 500SEC. But what a video! The story telling, just by the filming in daylight and at night, superbly shot. And then Magnus Walker telling a brilliant story about the car and the people who owned one. And epic music to it. This is one of the greatest car reviews ever done. Even the best Top Gear ones have a hard time competing with this one. As others have said, this is art! It is already a legendary car review in my book! Wow! This has set a new standard!

[@kedah2398]

I've ALWAYS wanted a 560sec. I swear, I re watch this just to keep me focused and thirsty cause if I ever see one for sale at a good price...

[@dgkbeast36]

There’s a 1884 behind my house. I want to buy it off my dads friend. It’s a 560 sec amg. I wonder what it’s worth

[@dgkbeast36]

1984 lol

[@kedah2398]

Depends on your priorities. If you have nothing pressing then hell yeah, go get it and restore it beautifully. Maybe a few tasteful modern mods here and there!

[@samsaasen4922]

Easily top 10 maybe top 5 dreams cars and I’m a BMW guy

[@avchannel-automobiliv523]

Yeah cant deny this car is pure mechanic beauty for a drive and a ride. Should be sitting next to our E46 at home.

[@marcelomatos7815]

The quality of the video and production are insane!

[@MrDustr]

Fire video! Great music, magnus walker legend, the car is WOW, the video shoots is 🔥🔥🔥

[@nathanchildress5596]

Top 5 Mercedes ever for me, it's so classy and powerful looking inside & out. I used to stare at one outside my college all the time.

[@PilgrimInProgress]

Takes me back to the 80's New York hip hop/rap scene.

[@V59971]

🔥

[@fitzgoblin81]

@@V59971 exactly, Magnus is a boss!

[@berlingray8058]

More like Harlem dope boy days. Rappers back in the 80s couldn't really afford cars like this. It was mostly the drug dealers & former drug dealers turned rappers who were driving BMWs/Benzs/Sabbs in the 80s. Rappers didn't really start making a lot of money until the mid to late 90s.

[@BlackStallionGT]

One of the most attractive and muscular designs of the 80s and early 90s - Definitely on my list of cars to own

[@filiperamosfernandes]

Magnus Walker, great host and great video production, interesting format, combining automobile history, culture and architecture!

[@jtfromdabx75-15]

Best Video I’ve seen all year !

[@fitzgoblin81]

Seriously it was fire

[@davidhunternyc1]

"Now if you excuse me I've got some business to attend to." 👊🏼

[@ilikewater]

This is the best episode yet!

[@capuslc]

The most amazing automotive journalism today. Hats off to you.

[@01FozzyS]

Finally a new episode!

[@hussaingahlot2318]

That front end is so fucking handsome 😍

[@BoukieMcbridger]

Incredible presentation to a dream car of mine, truly epic!! thank you

[@jimbeam4736]

What a marvel of a video. I didn´t know the channel but subscribed after the first 10 secs.

[@mominx2412]

Great cinematography, stunning car. I would take it over any modern BMW or merc.

[@wl7915]

just fall in love with those C-pillars again

[@CoastalAutoReactionCAR]

Great show! Magnus is an ICON in our industry!

[@exoticsnyc6990]

Miss my city..grew up there and explored all over. Love the SEC and the edit as well. It was nice meeting you at the car show in BH recently.

[@SuperMyacc]

Is this Art? Because it sure feels like art

[@fitzgoblin81]

It was fire

[@nadk8886]

Yes it does. Best Looing Mercedes after the Gullwing

[@ilivedowntheroad]

The older Mercedes S class and E class were something special

[@SuperMyacc]

I meant the review, but the same goes for the car.

[@nadk8886]

4:30 *Penta wheels. Great video btw. Wish it was longer

[@ZeGermanHam]

Awesome editing and music! Also a really cool car. This video makes me miss living in NYC.

[@fitzgoblin81]

Magnus is a boss!

[@marcogallo2811]

Dang, good job on the shooting/shooting locations. Car looks amazing in the time square glow and the chinatown shot at the end is beautiful as well!

[@heydiahrea]

This is the nicest big body coupe to ever leave Germany

[@benzer126]

Yes! And the c 140

[@heydiahrea]

@@benzer126 nice cars but, my number 2 spot has to be the BMW E31 850i

[@AlexBeras]

Paid in Full vibes!!

[@nadk8886]

Oh most definitely. That's Ace Boogie right there

[@brendang256]

Man i love Magnus doing reviews. He just rocks it.

[@VintageCustomCars]

I love Hagerty channel, one of the few who inspired me to start own channel, thank you!

[@edgarm8933]

4:05 Nissan 300zx 😍

[@jellyg3403]

Reminds me of the gangster cars in Miami Vice😍😍

[@fitzgoblin81]

Magnus is a boss!

[@kugga3885]

This Video is PERFECTION.

[@druthning]

Magnus, you are great. I am in your age, not from N.Y., from Germany. But it was the same experience with this car. Diving in the weekend-night of Berlin..80's music.. and we all thought the world is ours...

[@ericgonzalez8382]

Glad to see Radagast still has a job after The Hobbit

[@fitzgoblin81]

He is a rockstar

[@andrewreil3938]

Ive been wanting to buy the 560 and AMG it for a few years and this vid has finally pushed me to doing it. What do yall think about a Desert Gold SEC with the dished monoblock amg wheels in black?

[@nadk8886]

Sounds very nice. What colour interior? I own a 500 diamond blue, Navy seats with AMG aero 1 pre merger alloys. I was thinking of getting a replica AMG kit as its very hard to find an original

[@andrewreil3938]

@@nadk8886 its got that tan interior with the black dash, i think the gold would look cool done up right

[@anthonyjoyner9315]

If you're gonna do wheels, aero 3's are the holy grail for these cars imo

[@nadk8886]

@@anthonyjoyner9315 yes true. But come with a holy grail price lol

[@eliesednawi4199]

Best episode. Great in all aspects

[@andrewgregg4389]

Hi I am watching this in Australia : smiling as out in my Garage is my 1984 500 sec . This video is fantastic. Thank you

[@robertlambert5299]

Holy crap that was a big rat! 7:43

[@Trussme96]

Thats NYC for you

[@ericmoore3174]

They carry switchblades around here too.

[@HNRichard]

One of my favorite Benzes from the 80s! Though the V8 would definitely kill my wallet lol, so I guess the 300SD sedan would do justice.

[@mehashaliti8472]

I have driven one...best drive I ever had,all that tech on it,buttons and stuff,soft close doors etc etc...way ahead of his time

[@matthewshambler2644]

Amazing vehicle.. My late Dad had one that used to be a show car in the 80’s.. Lorimer “deep dish” wheels, fiberglass boot and bonnet lid.. used to cruise way past 200km/h comfortably!