Truly a gray market god! Shockingly perfect 1985 Mercedes 500SEL! The CAR WIZARD is in love

[@euroasianbob9268]

Thanks for taking such great care of our beauty! Can’t wait to drive it now the Wizard has worked his magic on it!

[@M-ww]

Good find hope Tyler get as lucky as you with his finds:)

[@aussie2uGA]

There was a guy in Ft. Lauderdale who would buy as many of these as he could get from craigslist, clean them up, then export them to the Bahamas. He did quite well with that business.

[@jamesmisener3006]

Iam curious to see its value Bob. I say $18,000 USD up to $25,000. 🇨🇦

[@euroasianbob9268]

Edit: Awesome comment from Frank in comments below. He discovered who’s car this was. This car came from NM. I copied his comment below: Harold “Vic” Vickers (1924-2020) American, was a veteran of WWII. He was a Distinguished member of the US Diplomatic Corps for 35 years beginning in the 1950’s. ‘He lived in New Mexico. Perhaps this is “Vics” Garage Princess’ Merc?

[@PieterBreda]

Gorgeous car.

[@Liladelph]

Just beautiful, the definition of "they don't make em' like they used to!"

[@euroasianbob9268]

@Kinky Streets amen!

[@rahimi4762]

@Kinky Streets agreed

[@Liladelph]

If this can go for 13-17k I may be highly interested! But I have a feeling it'll be closer to 18k-20k

[@nuhuhassan4090]

Or like they used to say, "engineered like no other". 👍👍👍👍

[@Liladelph]

Edit: Awesome comment from Frank in comments below. He discovered who’s car this was. This car came from NM. I copied his comment below: Harold “Vic” Vickers (1924-2020) American, was a veteran of WWII. He was a Distinguished member of the US Diplomatic Corps for 35 years beginning in the 1950’s. ‘He lived in New Mexico. Perhaps this is “Vics” Garage Princess’ Merc? S/o EuroAsian Bob and Frank

[@jfv65]

This W126 was the car that Toyota studied before they built the Lexus LS400. Both great cars of that era

[@UltimateForceMarketing]

...and i have both!! 1987 Mercedes 560SEL 122,000 (original mlies) mystic silver. 1995 Lexus LS400 165,000 original miles (Pearl Cashmere) 1996 Lexus LS400 167,000 original miles (Cashmere Metallic) (Coach Edition) both have perfectly identical light tan leather appointments (most times when im driving either one, i sometimes get confused which vehicle im in theyre so identical until i get out to put Only the most expensive 91Octane fuel. Btw the engines in all my vehicles are in pristine condition making it extremely easy for my daily quick overview inspection Before any drive off operations. And yes, i was extremely fortunate to have purchasd these beautifully awesome vehicles from the original owners that were in their late 70's & 80years old retired folks. I got the W126 from retired gentleman in Minneapolis and purchased both Lexuses from a retired couple that were not able to drive anylonger both now live in an beautiful assisted living community and therefore literally gave me both beautiful husband & wife (his & her) Lexus's for a mere ($8900!!!) (I still cant believe my good fortune!!??) Just recently luckedout and grabbed a one owner retired gentleman's Pearlessence w/matching canvas top 1999 Lincoln Cartier TownCar 187,000 (original miles) gorgeous creme parchment full leather appointments, too. This car is soooo smooth and literally glides quietly over the road real joy to drive this car. Cost me a mere ($2000) because his son simply didnt have space for his two car garage for his wife & his daily work vehicles and his father also recently had to go into anassisted living facility and couldnot drive this beautiful car anylonger, so his son literally gave me his father's carefully well garaged taken car of this awesomely gorgeous Lincoln TownCar Continental. Cost me a small fortune to have scheduled changed/serviced both transmissions & drive diferentials & oil changes on all my vehicles within 3days. I usually change my oil & filters every (1000 miles) or every year regardless and you can tell how easily and smoothly any of these vehicles start up & run. To stay off & help keep the mileage off these vehicles, i usually just drive my Gold 1999 Chevrolet LT1500 4x4 Tahoe with 212,000 on it and got it for ($2700) immediately turned around and sunk another ($4700) into it to get it into looking & running "like new" condition so that i could literally drive it anywhere any driving conditions!!(@@) I am not or not my intention of bragging about my situation on these great finds/purchases but to simply illustrate to possible rewards in life "If" we are ever so vigilant & patient & consistently keep saving up any extra funds that can be put aside whenever such opportunitie arise and we act immediately to acquire these timely finds..and i am absolutely NOT rich, just work hard & long and save big every year so that i can afford such bounties when eve they may come along but my storage costs ofset any savings finding these (4) vehicle!! So there you go.. My next feat is to start out colecting atleast (3) to (5) amazing Classic early 70's Honda Yamaha & Kawasaki motorcycles but ONLY in absolutely low miles showroom condition. My purchase budget goals ($15,000) and another whole storage unit to lease!!Crazy i know...(@@) Life is wy too short to be miserable. ..ha..ha!! Thanks for reading this crazy rant andhope you have a safe & happy life,too!!

[@jeronronnunkoffunk4691]

💯💯true

[@davecom3]

Correct! Right down to the measurements

[@mikebelcher5111]

Back when a Mercedes was built like a tank these were beautiful cars and they lasted forever

[@rahimi4762]

Bring back old MB. Cut down on the models. Bring back reliability and bank vault built quality

[@stevenebesni2432]

Agree! I read many years ago that these cars had about 100 pounds worth of soundproofing coating on the floorboard.

[@AB-jz9ns]

@@rahimi4762 Agree on both points. They make way too many models now and most are built with questionable quality.

[@henrikbragge]

Back when they could be driven for 1,000,000 km - I hope that they start doing them like this again ❤️

[@reallyrandomrides1296]

Yes, back then they were durable, long lasting, reliable and over-engineered. And they were a status symbol. Today lots of people are buying and leasing them, loses some of the classiness.

[@darrelljerome7268]

I drove an armored version of this car when I was assigned to the security detail for the Air Force General at the NATO base in Naples IT, back in the early 90's. So many great memories of driving like a complete maniac in that thing.

[@derekguitarmax9140]

Timeless design, over engineered to perfection. One of the greatest cars ever made.

[@Maximus20778]

its outdated

[@rahulmandala4930]

@@Maximus20778 Sure, technically speaking, it may be outdated, but it's a beautiful design respective to its time. Any car of that period compared to the vehicles today may be outdated, but there will come a time when vehicles today will be dated in decades to come.

[@Long-nd8bq]

Easy to add an updated stereo unit with bluetooth. Cell phones have GPS. Sure it doesn't have massage seats, or distronic cruise control or airmatic suspsension but all of that stuff is costly when it fails. This car with some updates like wheels and stereo system would be my choice over anything new. I don't care about 0-60 times under 5 seconds. I care about style, ride comfort, and running down the highway at 80 mph with the AC on and cruise control. I own a W221 S550 but even that car can turn into a money pit.

[@VDPEFi]

A drive in any w126 reminds you of how cars should drive..small wheels, proper suspension, well damped, amazing....

[@teutone5866]

Two acquaintances here in US have Gen II Euro 560 (1 SEC, 1 SE) with the rare high compression 300 hp engine. Another turned his W126 SEC into a rebuild AMG widebody he took to some big Mercedes event in Monterey CA. The new gullwing SLR and other AMG's were introduced, but even the Mercedes guys who had flown in from Germany, gathered around the widebody and looked at it in wonder. The original AMG W126 widebody had a 6 liter 32 valve engine. Penta wheels front 9 x 16 Et0 with 245/50 tires , rear 10 x 16 offset 12.7 with 275/45.

[@russells509]

I was JUST watching Beverly Hills Cop, and this was the car the bad guys got chauffeured around in!

[@WARTHUNDERPILOT21]

I'm currently a mercedes technician and I daily drive a 1984 w126 and the thing still rides better than the 2022 w223 s classes.

[@01AceAlpha]

I remember when we were visiting family in Germany in November of ‘89. I was a child. My Uncle was an engineer who designed parts of the Autobahn and was a BMW man. We were passed by a big Merc and after dropping us off at the Frankfurt airport he drove to the BMW dealership to by a faster car!

[@komradkolonel]

I love Mercedes from the 70s and 80s. They were built like tanks and the engines/transmissions were simple, rugged, and very well made. They would last for hundreds of thousands of miles and be relatively trouble free. I wouldn't go near a modern Mercedes especially one over 100,000 miles. They are a constant migraine headache of one reliability problem after another.

[@99Vood99]

They are essentially built for a 2-3 year lease. Full of unnecessary technology that costs thousands to repair the second the vehicle is out of warranty.

[@ronjohnson8119]

Ehhhhh….. the engine in that car is known for valve guide wear,head gasket leaks, and timing chain guide breakage around 100-150k, the in-line 6 engines of that era were notorious for head gasket leaks at around 75-100k. The transmissions in that era were known for reverse clutches burning out early and other nagging issues. While well built and very rebuildable, the idea that they would go for hundreds of thousands of miles with little trouble is kind of a myth. Source: professional MB tech of over twenty years.

[@twntwrs]

@@ronjohnson8119 The reputation you're referring to is based on the OM602.912 in the W124 and the OM617 in the W123 and W126. There it is merited.

[@omostim2385]

These engines and transmissions were pretty good. I used to have a 91 560SEL. I think as far as reliability goes though the later M112/113 engines with the 5 speed auto were more reliable. I remember worrying about timing chain guides, and never being able to get the the idle quite smooth(fuel injection) Also a slow engaging reverse gear. I think it was the B2 or whatever it’s called

[@vw5056]

What is considered modern? The W220 with the 4.3 or 5.0 and 5spd auto was/is very stout. W221 good too.

[@blaketindle4703]

What a beauty! And look at that, the fuel pump and fuel filter aren’t hidden away inside the damn gas tank!!!

[@orrindavies]

My dad has the exact same car and color combo albeit it's a 300 SEL. The inside of ours is full grey leather. I live in Europe but ours is definitely not in this condition and has been sitting for the better part of a decade. This is truly the best vehicle that came out of Mercedes Benz along with the W124.

[@OnTourWithPattiSmith]

280SE 3.5 These 1980’s MB were nice cars but not the best, definitely not the best aesthetically.

[@AlienLivesMatter]

@@OnTourWithPattiSmith grosser

[@pfsantos007]

Don't forget the W123, if you're going to mention the W124 in the same sentence. Different in their own way, but all excellent vehicles.

[@orrindavies]

@@OnTourWithPattiSmith maybe not aesthetically but from an engineering standpoint Mercedes through everything at them and that's why they are so reliable.

[@orrindavies]

@@pfsantos007 An excellent vehicle as well. I just feel the 124 improved on a lot of things compared to its predecessor.

[@danialk8387]

These cars are stunningly beautiful reliable and honest. Absolutely legendary. I have 6 W123. 1985 turbos. Two door coup, station wagon and a four door sedans. All original. Delighted to see this video. Now we are talking cars.

[@arneldobumatay3702]

For a nearly 37 year old car that engine compartment is super clean!

[@martinsvensson6884]

In Europe leather was most of the time an option. Often even on higher end models. Might differ a bit between countries though. Leather looks nicer. But velour is actually nicer to sit on in my opinion. Also warmer in winter and cooler in summer than leather.

[@afre3398]

I remember when i was child my father had a BMW 2002 Tilux. I know what a BMW 2002 is but I do not know what the tilux was meaning. But I digress. That car had black skai seats. Skai was vinyl material with a structure or design, often making it look like leather. If the car had been sitting in the sun for some time. They got very hot. It was quite an experience to sit in those seats the first minutes

[@RobTGoodwin]

@@afre3398 Ti engine had twin Solex carbs & Lux was short for Luxus package in Europe (some wood trim, carpeted shelf behind rear seat, armrest in rear, most had velour seats but some had vinyl). Tii was when they added mechanical fuel injection.

[@christophrenken9929]

here in Europe Leather, MB Tex and Velours were all (pretty costly) options - however velours was even more expensive than real leather as it is even more luxurious

[@carlcarlandcarl]

those seats are by far more comfortable than any leather seat i've sat in.

[@mmbouhid]

I had 2 w126 in Brazil. Both came with velour interior. Both were european models. Both came to Brazil brought by foreign diplomatic offices.

[@stevenebesni2432]

Those things are tanks and that one is absolutely beautiful. My mother had an 88 420 SEL and I will never forget how solid that car was.

[@henrikbragge]

You should’ve got it … Would still be the same!

[@stevenebesni2432]

I wish. It started having a high idle. It would not pass NJ car inspection and they wanted a fortune to fix it.

[@rooty9490]

Harold Vickers was from New Mexico--lived to be 96 and was a world war 2 hero and diplomat---that car is in such great shape because it spent its life in New Mexico--garaged--This guy was from the greatest generation and that car is as well

[@phil955i]

Aside from the chrome wheel arch trims that is one beautiful cool old Mercedes

[@mozartcarclassics]

Lapisblue Metallic Code 932 - very popular Mercedes color in the early 80s

[@bbccat2]

The numbers on the center console that Mrs Wizard pointed out are probably the security code for the Becker radio. You have to enter that code after the battery has been reconnected for the radio to work.

[@Frank-mm2yp]

Harold "Vic" Vickers (1924-2020 ) American, was a veteran of WWII. He was a distinguished member of the US Diplomatic Corps for 35 years beginning in the 1950s. 'He lived in New Mexico. Perhaps this is 'Vic's" "Garage Princess" Merc?

[@smokeshaq]

def was his mercedes

[@euroasianbob9268]

Wow! This car did come from NM! What more do you know?

[@Frank-mm2yp]

@@euroasianbob9268 Check his Obituary. You can GOOGLE it on-line. "VIC" had quite an interesting life and was quite a guy. Imagine his Mercedes-Benz may have been part of an estate sale?

[@ingresswizard9044]

Yeah I thought this was his car too. Seems he came back from foreign service in the 80's. Usually DC is the last stop for those guys before they retire. My guess is he was stationed somewhere in Europe in the mid 80's and ordered the car thru one of the special dealers for military and foreign service workers. That would explain why the car is a euro car with a MPH gauge cluster. When he left Europe in 1985 he brought the car home with him. My guess is this was garage kept in NM and driven very little each year until his death.

[@ingresswizard9044]

@@euroasianbob9268 More info about your car. WDB1260371A189796 was ordered for the ARGENTINIAN market. Harold Vickers from NM was in the foreign service based in Argentina at one point. It appears he purchased the car in Argentina and had it brought back to the US when his tour was over. Headlight were also changed from the ones that were on it a copart. Shame as the originals would be preferred as this car is so original.

[@azaz911c]

15:05 North American dealers ordered virtually all W126's with leather seats. While customers could order velour seats or MB-Tex, only a small percentage (probably

[@j.d.8593]

In Japan the Velour is more luxurious than Leather, a prime example of that is the Toyota Century, only head of the state and VERY rich people can buy that car and the top trim is all Velour interior, same goes for the JDM version of the Lexus LS, the Toyota Celsior, the ones with the Velour interior are more expensive than the ones with Leather

[@azaz911c]

@@j.d.8593 In Japan, cars like the Century offer wool upholstery. Wool is cool on hot weather, and very hard wearing.

[@yunus_aros]

@@j.d.8593 Actually it‘s not velour it is wool in the Toyota Century top trim.

[@dpratt02]

Velour was forbidden un the US because it catches fire easily. That's what they told me back in the day when i tried to Buy a replacement kit.

[@yunus_aros]

@@dpratt02 The fabric is often made out of polyester and is thick. It’s naturally flame-retardant and velour fabrics are mainly a good choice to prevent hazardous fires. A cigarette would often just perforate the velour fabric and not ignite, but leave a scorched ring around the burn mark. Velour is also more easy to maintain than leather and many times outlast leather as upholstery.

[@byronh60]

Looks like the blue version of J.R. Ewing’s Mercedes! On the TV show Dallas, he always drove a light, champaign green one.

[@friedpickles342]

my dad had the exact model. Just a couple years older. Wrapped it around a power pole. My dad survived, The car almost survived, the pole snapped in half

[@MatrixDiscovery]

Now that's a Mercedes...not the crap that we see now

[@shadychrisuk]

That's because it was a Daimler Benz, before it became Chysler Benz and the Chrysler accountants drove the design ethos instead of the German engineers....

[@dlpgamer]

I've got a 91 560 SEC, my father used to drive it and when I got my driver's license he gave it to me. My first car was a land yatch with a 300hp V8, yes, and couldn't be happier with it.

[@georgobergfell]

That's my current wanna have car, but those 560s have gotten extremely expensive lately

[@dlpgamer]

@@georgobergfell indeed they have! Since I started driving in 2018 prices have skyrocketed, tripled or more

[@Krikstar123]

My dream car at the time (teenager) and years after. We had a 280 SEL as our family car. Such great cars!

[@teutone5866]

Cars with option .968 ECE or later RUF engines are rare and 300hp output only without Cat. What do the headers look like?

[@philkipnis740]

That's my Idea of what a blue colored car should look like! The color is just beautiful. Almost all of my cars have been blue, but this shade takes them all.

[@fr4nn4]

The 126 series is my all-time favourite Mercedes - saloons are stately, coupe's are beauts, classic shape 👌

[@markiangooley]

In 1964 when I was 3, my parents took my sister and me on a trip to Europe, bought and drove a Mercedes 220S with an automatic transmission, and had it shipped home to Illinois afterwards. My Mom’s car for the next 12 years or so. Rust got to it…

[@macstone9719]

The early years with the groves in the side panels are very thought after in Germany. Even Mercedes sells them fully restored.

[@craigmorgan4676]

Top Ceo car of the early 90s.U had one then,u were the boss, period!💪💪🤜🤜🌶🌶

[@philkipnis740]

That sticker was often used for cars picked up at the factory if memory serves me. My Jaguar XJ8L had one when I got it. Great tour, two weeks driving your new car around the countryside with a special license. Then you deliver it to the freight forwarding office and they arrange to get it to the US. Fees paid by the factory, included in your price. A month later you get a call from a local(ish) dealer to pick up the car. They take over the limited factory warranty for you.

[@erikperik1000]

At what time? example 5:14

[@andrewthomson]

@@erikperik1000 4:20

[@martinliehs2513]

I believe that even VW had a "European delivery" option in the 1980s. I was too young at the time to entertain that option, but from what I understood, it saved the cost of a car rental, while allowing a factory tour and then the opportunity to test your new purchase out on the Autobahn.

[@BlackhawkPilot]

In the 1950s our scout master took three of us to Europe where he picked up a Mercedes 190. We had a ball for three weeks. Comer home on the Queen Mary with the car and drove back to Oregon from NYC. The car is still in a heated garage where it is in perfect condition.

[@Mike_Costello]

When you closed the door and started it THAT was the best part. Such a smooth and engine and well built frame. Dream machine!!!

[@teutone5866]

This type of velour was more expensive than leather, if I remember correctly (you don't slide). The warning triangle under the trunk lid is specific for the French market (all others had a white center with black exclamation mark), the skid plate under the oil pan was an option. This is likely the higher compression engine, with exhaust headers and separate downpipes coming down on both sides of engine. I couldn't see whether the headers were the log type Euro, or the desirable TRY-Y = 2 + 2 into dual downpipes ea side coming together in on per side. Hoovies ex grandma 500SL came with Try-Y headers. HP should be very close to the later 560. The vertical wheel next to the light switch, adjusts the level slightly downwards or up, to compensate for carrying passengers in rear, weight in trunk, or pulling a trailer. A lot of users replace headlight bulbs with 55/100 H4, and dip the wheel 1 step in city traffic. You can't drive the 100 on open roads. 2 little relays will increase output as well. That is very nicely kept for an 85. US spec cars had the R side log type header going into a pipe going around the back of engine, coming together with L side header into a single downpipe (might be why the R bank frequently goes bad first?). US cars also always start in second gear. If you pull the shifter into first and back to second, it will start in first.

[@teutone5866]

Actually, in Europe, on a 280 or 300, the windows would be manual, so would the passenger mirror adjustment be, electric are the options. The A/C will not be standard equipment lower in the model hierarchy, and most would be manual. The automatic climate control in the car was an additional option, and I wonder whether this had a telescoping steering wheel (electric), another option. Btw, during a police stop the officers can ask to see the first aid kit (in the rear deck), and the warning triangle held under the trunk lid. Unlike here, drivers have to open the trunk.

[@Marklin15]

@@teutone5866 500SEL had Velour and front and rear electric windows standard, 500SE and below optional. AC was still optional and the passenger mirror was an option on all W126 until very late 80s. Only 560SE and SEL had manual AC standard, automatic climate control still optional.

[@teutone5866]

@@Marklin15 Plus SEC (i got one). The nice thing about the 8 cyl Euro W126 are the same looking log type headers, but with downpipes on both sides of the engine. The US has that weird from pass side behind engine pipe merging into the drivers downpipe. Can't be good for engine breathing, and even the Euro logs will add a few horses (not as much as TRY-Y headers. Euro R107 500SL in US all have TRY-Y headers) You can't buy the separate from Mercedes, but the US and Euro exhaust manifold logs come apart at the center expansion joint. Only the rear part to down pipe is different. As far as Euro GenI bumpers go, I used to have 2 sets with cladding, good chrome zero rust, and they took quite a while to sell. I think I got 170 for 1 set, and 150 for the second. Storing them cost more. Btw, some W126 diesel sedans came with aluminum hood and trunk lid.

[@ShervinsGarage]

@@teutone5866 I’m a huge fan of the Gen I bumpers and ribbed lower cladding. They make the car look slimmer and sleeker, and in my opinion the Gen II changes make the car look bulkier, more generic, and too modern. I know that’s an unpopular opinion though. I have both an ‘84 300SD and a grey market ‘85 500SEL. Both are Midnight Blue/Matt Gray Metallic on Palomino leather, my favorite color combo (which is surprisingly very difficult to find now).

[@groberts1780]

When I was growing up in this era, the S Class could properly be termed a "lifetime" car if cared for. How far the marque has fallen! The new ones are meant to be dumped the moment the lease is up before all of the technology gimmicks self destruct. Just a shame, really. We'll never see them built to this standard again.

[@pfsantos007]

While you can't compare them to the old ones, the W211 and W212 (some models) are much better than the Daimler Chrysler era cars. Pays to do some research. In general, no turbo, no problem, and also avoid some of the timing chain problem ridden cars.

[@ashookchandra8191]

Mercedes-Benz was the best or nothing now NOTHING since the mid 90s so sad 😭😭😭

[@ronjohnson8119]

I don’t know. They were mostly well built but they needed fairly frequent and expensive repairs/maintenance.

[@twntwrs]

@@pfsantos007 The 3.0 5cyl turbodiesel was just fine.

[@zm321]

Back in about '85 when I was an 11 year old kid, the 500 SEL in this colour was my poster car. The marque has very much fallen, in the UK today the A class and CLA are marketed at the £900 down/£299 a month brigade. It's just so wrong.

[@bobwallace9814]

I worked at a large Mercedes dealership at this car's time period. Back when Mercedes made a quality car. This particular car, while the American version, a top of the line was very expensive, a grey market car was like a woman. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. It had no value except to what someone would pay. We would not take grey markets in on trade nor sell them on the used lot. We did however have Mercedes and Porsche on consignment with a value price set by the owner. Johnny Rutherford, Nascar champion dropped off his twin turbo grey Porsche 911 for consignment telling us with a wink it was fast. To this day the fastest car I have ever driven. On a trade, the first thing checked on any Mercedes was the books and mandatory stamps of service. No books, no value. This car here is unusual as it was never brought up to American standards which included glass, emissions, lights and bumper replacement among other things. It must have been something to do with being a diplomat's car. That being said I have never seen one with velour like this. They all had full leather and 90% with chromed wheels. Seeing this car did bring back a ton of memories of those days. Thanks!

[@jacodekramer5574]

This upholstery was called “Pullman” back in the days though not official. Official it was called velours and was more expensive then leather. Pullman referred to the “Pullman” train coupes (first class long distance travel) which were upholstered in velvet too. Also take a look at the Toyota Century

[@bobwallace9814]

@@shayjohnson5830 Lol, that's a very common statement and has been around since caveman days. Look snowflake, anyone can take any statement and I mean any statement and find something to be offended about.

[@bobwallace9814]

@@jacodekramer5574 Mercedes at that time also used a pseudo leather and I think it was called Texas Tux. It looked and felt so much like the real leather that most customers thought it was leather and used saddle soap on it.

[@jacodekramer5574]

@@bobwallace9814 MB-Tex , a lot of taxis over here used to have that perforated vinyl. Very strong stuff

[@bobwallace9814]

@@jacodekramer5574 You are correct.

[@MichaelandCathy1999]

That is an absolute gem! I’ve never had a Mercedes, but at the age of 66, it’s time I looked into finding a fine example like that to toodle around in the summer.👍🇨🇦

[@loringmccrorey4757]

I just love seeing these time capsules on wheels in such immaculate conditions. Mecum Auctions is a great source.

[@Fordguy02]

This is the peak of MB build quality.

[@can-cruiser]

Great car well presented by the Wizard and Ms Wizard. This was from an era long gone when Mercedes meant quality and durability. Today Mercedes means nothing but problems. Run as fast as you can!!

[@ckm-mkc]

Drove one of these at top speed across Germany in the late '80s. Great car, my passenger fell asleep at 130 mph!

[@2W3X4YZ5]

I brought in a UK spec Escort RS Turbo during the gray market days. Back then you could ship to Alabama with no real inspection required. That Mercedes is spectacular, and the Euro five litre was stronger than the 5.6 that we got. Thanks for the video.

[@Spookieham]

RS Turbos are worth big coin now

[@archygrey9093]

I have a 560sel with a galaxy blue velour interior, very nice in the Australian heat where leather or vinyl seats become hot in the sun and give you a sweaty back.

[@rocketsurgeon11]

I love this thing! It's beautiful! I took a 1990 560SDL to prom back in the day. This era of Mercedes is, in my opinion, the BEST era. The reason is because they were still built with impeccable quality, and had *just* enough tech to make them "modern", but not these rolling computer systems on wheels that are failure nightmares.

[@charlestimmis273]

There is no 560 sdl. There 560 sel and the diesels we're 350 sdl and 300 sdl

[@rocketsurgeon11]

@@charlestimmis273 geeze, it took 2 years to get called on a typo! LOL. Yes, it was a 350SDL. White with gray bottom and gray leather interior. I actually have a few pictures of it.

[@NewOrderrr]

That interior brings back memories! The manager of a NJ country club I valet parked at in the later 80's had a 500 SE very similar to that. The only difference besides being a few inches shorter were the rear crank rear windows, only power in the front. The cloth seats were great when parked in the summer sun, they didn't burn your rump like the leather seats the club members had.

[@philiprush2266]

Oh my god that Mercedes is absolutely stunning my boss had one in my first job got to drive it a few times to me that’s at a time when Mercedes were at there best

[@FlamingMonocle]

I was lucky enough to own a 500SEL from '82 with full leather that was nigh-on indestructible and an utter dream to drive, despite the massive extra cost of fuel from driving in the UK. It was a gift to myself for my 21st birthday - the insurance broker had no idea how to process my application as a 21-year-old driving one of these was unprecedented, so I got a great deal. Sadly, it was stolen and wrapped around a lamp post by a drunkard while I was on vacation. I miss that tank every single day. I would drive another in a heartbeat.

[@apscoradiales]

Velours were standard issue in Europe on such Benzes. Anything else was optional. I think the Brits call such velour colour "Petrol Blue".

[@chaoringmeister]

IIIC there were two finishes, half velour was fitted to my W126 300SE, in the same colour. Distinctly remember the pile on that was rather lacking. I seem to remember that the full velour option being more expensive than even the MBTex. But then maybe my memory has it wrong and mixing it up with the 123/124 which we’re definitely regular cloth as standard.

[@rk9340]

I checked the pricelist from back in the day. Velours was indeed factory standard only for the 500 SEL and the Coupé (both versions). For all other versions (including the 500SE without L) it was optional for 1.983,60 Deutsche Mark, which was almost as much as the leather option for 2.200,20. True luxury of the 80ies (but truely, the MBtex seats were so good, you only needed it for luxury). :D Might explain why it's so rare, since the leather upgrade from Velours for the 500 SEL was "only" 524,40 Deutsche Mark.

[@joshikun7177]

This is absolutely my ideal spec for one of these blue on the out- and inside. Amazing condition. One day I‘m going to own one of these.

[@teutone5866]

Find one that spent it's life in the dry US South (SoCal, NM, AZ). Whenever I go back to Germany, I get the use of a 1976 W123 first owner 280 (my aunts) with 70,000 Km original. In S Cali old Mercedes are often seen, but in Europe, they have mostly rusted away. Add the very strict TUV (technical supervision org, any rust on frame / suspension and the car is no longer street legal). It's not like the mickey mouse smog over her.

[@richdorak1547]

Massive love for 80s Mercedes! What a beautiful example.

[@alanparsonsfan]

What a gorgeous example of peak Mercedes. Bulletproof. Same color as my Hyundai Azera. My father had a few years earlier version of this sedan in light blue with the dark blue MB Tex interior.. He bought it when it already had 280k miles on it. Drove it for years. You would just twist the key, and it would purr into life.

[@mbmann3892]

My first car (hand down from my mom) was a 1985 380Se. Boy I miss that girl.

[@geoffmoroney9283]

A time capsule. What a beautiful survivor from the 80's. From a time when Mercs were built to last a lifetime.

[@stuartscott60]

Thanks for the review Wizard and Mrs W. Also amazed to see a velour interior on a 500SE. The 500SE also looks to have an intact air injection system? Nursing my 380SE towards 40 years and still less than 200,000 kilometres (120,000 miles) in Australia, where the climate is kinder. Beautiful example worth preserving as a testament to the W126 series of the '80s.

[@elmayimbe_the_amateur_mechanic]

Holy shit!!!!!!!! This is the best car ever in the shop. The 560SEC can only top it if you get one.

[@gardiner516]

Friends of mine bought Mercedes station wagon with diesel motor. They bought in Germany and were to drive it in Europe for 6 mons and imported to Canada with less taxes and free shipping

[@newsnowireland4028]

You just can’t beat Mercedes of this era. 🇺🇸🇮🇪

[@patthesoundguy]

I have actually driven a 560SEL here in Canada, my buddy had one. They are definitely a dimplomat car like a limo kind of car. They are like driving a silk lined bank vault that will get up over 220 kilometers an hour in a hurry.

[@damieg82]

I live in the Caribbean and these came with velour interiors by default, due to our climate. There are some with MB Tex, and even less with genuine leather, both of which would have been specified by the persons who bought them new. I remember these (along with the coupes) were the most expensive new car you could buy in my country back then, unless you privately imported a Rolls Royce or something. They were the equivalent of USD160,000 when new, because we have crazy taxes on cars, including one based on engine displacement... something like USD1.20 per cc for engines over 1999cc.

[@larrieausman1973]

The car may have belonged to Harold Vickers that passed in 2020 at the age of 96. He was in the Diplomatic Corps and lived in Oklahoma and Kansas at one time, may still have family there. I Googled the name and found the obituary so I could be entirely wrong and off base. If it is the same guy, he lived a full and busy life.

[@MoreJamesSmith]

I wonder if he was able to enjoy this beauty right up to the end of his life or if it was sold before hand.

[@AJNpa80]

WW2 Vet too, was hitting the comments after googling it, seems most likely candidate when adding diplomat.

[@riazhaq3523]

The production quality of these videos are absolutely fantastic now. Thanks Wizard and Mrs Wizard for your great videos. HNY!

[@troypattillo8316]

I owned the clone to that car back in the early 90s. Wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the car. If it was ever titled in southern Illinois, it’s probably the one. I’ve always regretted selling it.

[@euroasianbob9268]

It came from NM.

[@fourhillsfarm]

He doesn’t have it listed on the website yet.

[@andregreen8040]

Here in Australia, back in the late 1980’s Mercedes Benz used to run commercials on T.V. which showed a W126 Mercedes 560 SEL lifted up in the air by a forklift, using only the 4 door handles as anchor points. Back then MB’s were seriously engineered like no other car. The 1990/91 W126 560SEL still remains the best looking limousine Mercedes ever built.

[@Lo_natilo_massages]

Hello from France. Velours were preferred in Europe on old Mercedes. It was common. Especially on w126

[@g-mang-man7924]

126 body Benzes are my favorite of the brand. I did my apprenticeship as an Automobile Technician at a Benz dealership. Was there from 1986 until the W140 vehicles came out. Then went to Toyotas. Would still love to own a 560 SEC coupe.

[@cmartin_ok]

I remember 1985 well, I bought a new Honda that I kept for 18 years. If it hadn't started to rust away I may still have had it today. In those days, M-B were true quality cars beyond my price range. I never understood why the USA insisted on sealed beam square/round headlamps for so many years after the world had moved on

[@yunus_aros]

The Americans like to hold on to weird notions like SAE and the Imperial System. 😅 Regulations were like that. It‘s standardization at its worst. Sometimes I as an outsider (Swedish) see it as a means to make it a little more difficult for foreign automakers to be able to compete. Those things, the Chicken Tax and the color of blinker glass. Also the fender line amber inlays are typical for USA and NAFTA associated countries.

[@michaelbrown5601]

Headlight, marker light and bumper regulations in North America used to make Mercedes vehicles look comically bad. The R107 and W116 had it the worst. The W124 suffered the least

[@yunus_aros]

@@michaelbrown5601 It’s fun to realize that what you can’t have is what is appreciated. It was the opposite here. My brother and many others sought the USDM-look when they were styling their cars. Especially old Volvos were retro-fitted with the USDM front.

[@11sfr]

Because someone in Washington decided in 1939 that sealed beam headlights were such a massive improvement over earlier designs that they were totally perfect and always would be forever. So the regulation was put in place and took the government a very, very long time to recognize technology moved on.

[@michaelbrown5601]

@@yunus_aros I know! Europeans always want our usdm stuff. I can’t believe it! I do have some usdm later W124 blinkers. I know someone overseas wants them 😆

[@caulktel]

That is a gorgeous 500SEL.

[@nickbeloff7307]

Been waiting for this video - beautiful car. Have owned a 1989 560 SEC for the last 10 years here in the UK and am a big fan of the W126. Alas, mine has some way to go before it is in such good shape.

[@TaylerSpliff]

We inherited my uncle's W126 300SDL in 2000 A.D. It taught me to enjoy driving big slow cars and enjoying the experience. Also diesels and turbos. Bombed from Florida to Toronto with no problems and solid mileage. Kept the Florida plate on the back for years until the law made us change it. Great car.

[@tommyolsen8224]

I love that old S Class 💙

[@peterchen9763]

I was stationed in Germany in 2000 and I bought a blue 1985 500SE for $3000. I had the same interior except in tan. Yes that material was common in Europe.

[@marcusjosefsson4998]

Yep, in the luxury models it was. You wouldn't find it in a basic 200E or a 190 1.8, but in the S-class it was pretty common.

[@zanesutherland406]

I’m pretty sure the seats in my ‘87 Ford Tempo were velour. Super comfortable. Probably one of the most comfortable I’ve ever sat on besides an 80s Mercury Grand Marquis with pillow top seats. The tempo had the same color blue interior as well in excellent condition from the original owner. I sold it a couple years ago to my grandmas neighbor and it has become their most reliable vehicle 😄

[@cptriker1]

I had a 1984 500 SEL myself (Gray Market). It was a MONSTER. My dad was terrified of it, he called it the "Gray Ghost". He couldn't get over the power and speed. And boy do they LOVE gas...and I do mean LOVE. If mine got 14mpg, I was out giving it kisses!!! But, I didn't worry about doing 100+ thru ATL. Memories. Got rid of her after I was about to do clinical rotations. Never regreted that but the memories are priceless to me.

[@quincylongman7469]

Been dying for this video since i saw the car in the background. I have the previous generation to this a 78’ w116 450SEL with that same v8. Its sat for 30 years so i need to clean the tank before i even try starting it. Then have the timing chain guides done

[@vw5056]

Nice. W116's are underrated classics.

[@quincylongman7469]

@@vw5056 indeed they are. BaT prices on them are really getting up there, especially for really fine examples

[@teutone5866]

The W116 are great cars. Btw, the panoramic sunroof of the W140 fits the W126 perfectly (preferably with the W140 rubber seal) and the frames part number interestingly starts with 116.. A buddy here has the 6.9.

[@jessebaldwin2661]

I had a 1985 500SEL and it was a powerful beast! I owned it for seven years and it ran beautifully.

[@svetko05]

Oh man, seeing that car made me sad. A couple of months ago i missed the deal on one in perfect condition and a great price. Those old bangers are still pretty expensive here where I live and for a good reason.

[@ewheelsfanclub4027]

I had a 1987 560SEL.. and Weeezzard, it is still one of my best memories. GREAT VIDEO!!

[@JMNTN]

this is the best (normal) mercedes ever made tbh, these are truly build like tanks

[@mikebatl1]

Wow. That Merc is immaculate.

[@linovieira5260]

Velure upholtery in MB is very common here in Europe

[@TheBTG88]

These designs are my favorite Mercedes. Such a timeless, classic car that has real personality.

[@corruptor911]

If I remember correctly, the velour seats were the most expensive option for mercedes seats, and yes, they are the rarest variant. I would love to give em a try :') love the old mercs

[@teutone5866]

Yes, the ribbed velour was more costly than leather, and an option in the up market cars. That's why you'll see most W116 6.9 L, and W100 Grosser 600 in Europe with velour. Customers for the upper model cars from hot Countries (Middle East, Africa, Central & S America) didn't want to burn their distinguished derrieres, or not so distinguished, on sun heated leather. A friend here(US) has an even rarer Euro 560SEL, with same but different color velour, and the even rarer rear split / separate seats.

[@humzor]

What a beauty! That Pullmann interior was the same price as leather back in the day!

[@shawnsee2688]

Damn that's clean.

[@thomaskopowski4950]

On the dash there probably were a little Christophorus plate with a little magnet to it. It's the saint of all the travellers.

[@Alexx120493]

6:48 if this was a German car originally I have a guess at what was attached to the center console with the washer. Many drivers here had and have a round Saint Christopher plaque in their cars for good luck.

[@W123W116]

I recently bought a St Christoffel plaque in Germany and put it below the Ashtray in my 500SE W126 :-)

[@Toguro-oy3ld]

Had to click right away on this BEAUTIFUL CAR! STUNNING!

[@michaelbrown5601]

I was wondering when we’d see this W126. Love the tiny bumpers and vastly improved headlights

[@monk3yboy69]

The CORRECT headlights and CORRECT bumpers you mean?

[@Firestorm637]

Insurance companies hated GRAY MARKET as many collision parts were different from USA parts. Gray market were more expensive to repair. Eventually refused to repair. People bought Gray as less expensive vs USA cars.

[@chefjefe68]

Thanks for sharing another amazing car, Wizard. In the 80s especially, Euro Spec cars were so much cooler. They had better engines, the beautiful euro headlights, and those trim euro bumpers. It is also cool to see the options European customers had. Who'd have a thought an S-Class would have cloth seats?

[@gregharvie3896]

This is "Dresden Velvet" the top of the range seating option from Mercedes , from the 300 "Adenauer's" of the 1950's to the long wheelbase finny 4 door W112 300's of the early 1960's , which were then updated with the new de-finned LWB 300SEL W109's , updated in 1972 with the first S class, the W116 the up spec 350SEL's & 450SEL's, all had the velvet seat option , This is extremely long lasting fabric , its warm on a cold winters day and not sticky to sit on when it's really hot . NEAR DOUBLE THE PRICE OF LEATHER too!

[@Rohanmrao1]

Have a North America 560SEL and the quality is impeccable. This one is even more exciting with the rare euro 500 engine and even the RARE factory front skid plate!

[@euroasianbob9268]

I hadn’t even been under the car yet. Saw in video and went wow! I have been dealing with these cars for 30 years and never seen one.

[@TheNismo777]

Nicest car I've seen at the shop so far. Dream car to own. You can literally hear the quality when you close any door.. its mindblowing how overbuild these were. Those go nowdays 18.5 to 20k$ with that mileage.

[@christopherarmstrong2095]

Thank you so much for showing this 126 Wizard! I love these cars!

[@theshadowman1398]

Pretty much my favorite merc design.

[@miamimo70]

Lovely apart from the after market chrome arches, they only hold rust

[@Gadget0343]

The early 80s Mercedes with that engine series had an issue with the timing chain stretching. It would stretch so far the tension would push out of bore and bleed off the oil pressure and starve I think the driver's side cam of lubricating oil and would wipe it out. It was all pretty easy to fix and replace the parts.

[@znuh]

That was the 3.8, and 3.8 only.

[@Gadget0343]

@@znuh Yes, that is what it was. Other than that issue, awesome car!!

[@mohammadcheema7375]

Great car - thank you. As a child of the 80’s I can say that in the UK the velour option was far more expensive than the leather option (£2000 vs £1250 for the leather). Probably why it’s such a rare sight.

[@gudfarfar]

That is really one of my favourite cars ever. I had a 300SEL for a while and it was fabulous. Such a grand luxury boat of a car, just floating along. Not a racecar, but with a respectable push when you floored it. I wish that I had that car still, but alas my health is failing and I cannot take proper care of such a gem anymore. Nor can I get out of the seat if I go and sit down in it either, because of my muscle disease, so those days are unfortunable over for me. Now it is the SUV size cars that I am able to use.

[@pipodeclown3782]

In Europe that time many Mercedes did have the velour interior, it's normal. And many of them where bleu.