This 1991 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL was reportedly sold new in Palm Springs, CA and has remained on the west coast of the United States its entire life. The car now resides in Riverside, California where it has been with the present owner for the last 7 years years. Power comes from a 4.2-liter M116.965 V-8 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, and the car is finished in Ice/Pearl Blue Metallic (348) over Gray (268) leather. The odometer currently reads 142,465 miles with 11k being added by the seller. This W126 sedan is now offered by the present owner with factory literature, a tool kit, three keys, a clean Carfax report, and a clean California title.
The exterior of this long-wheelbase flagship sedan is finished in Ice/Pearl Blue Metallic (348) with contrasting dark blue lower cladding, and the finish and paint condition is shown up close in the gallery below. Exterior equipment includes chrome-accented bumpers, headlamp wipers, and a power-operated sunroof. The seller indicates that the front fenders and hood were resprayed due to prior weathering and the factory sunroof is currently inoperable but free of any leaks.
The original Mercedes 15-hole 15” wheels are coated in factory silver finish and wear Michelin Premier tires measuring 205/65 all around with 2014 date codes. A factory full-sized spare is mounted in the trunk along with the OEM tool kit.
The interior is trimmed in Gray (268) leather and features matching carpets and door panels. The factory dash is devoid of cracks or other blemishes. Amenities include “tempomat” cruise control, electronically adjustable steering column, automatic antenna, memory seats for both driver and passenger and courtesy/reading lamps for the front and rear. Zebrano wood trim accents the center console, dash, and doors of the cabin. The car retains its original Becker Grand Prix cassette headunit, CD changer and aftermarket “MBZ” gray floormats are included with the sale.
The airbag steering wheel frames the factory gauge cluster featuring a 160-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, an analog clock, and gauges for coolant temperature, fuel level, fuel economy, and oil pressure. The six-digit odometer shows just over 142,000 original miles, 11k of which have been added by the seller.
The 4.2-liter M116.965 V-8 was rated at 221 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque when new and is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Service within the last month is said to include a new battery and oil change in preparation for sale.
Videos viewable below include a driving video with acceleration, cold-start and idling, walkaround videos of the exterior and an interior tour of the cabin.
The sale includes factory literature, a service booklet, a tool kit, three original keys, first aid kit and a full-size spare tire. The Carfax report shows no accidents or other damage in addition to linear mileage updates throughout the car’s west coast history. The seller states that the car is completely rust free and photos of the underbody are viewable in the gallery below.
The W126 has aged like a fine wine thanks to Sacco-era styling that is, unmistakably, classic Mercedes. As with each generation of S-class, this top-of-the-line offering from Mercedes is adequately over engineered but - unlike cars from the modern era - not overloaded with electronics; making this generation of Mercedes easy to keep on the road for decades. Throughout the 80’s and early 90’s, the long-wheel-base W126 was a must have for any notable figure worldwide. While vehicles today seem to be somewhat soulless, classic luxury sedans with big V8’s like this are becoming more desirable. This final year model 420SEL proves that you don’t have to overcomplicate something to make it feel like the best automobile in the world. Thanks to quality craftsmanship and legendary build quality, the W126 feels like a tank and well-preserved examples like this one are slowly becoming extinct.
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The winning bidder will receive an email with the quote and option to proceed with shipping.
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6 Comments
$7,500 bid placed by @AMC_BK
$7,250 bid placed by @Tfarmer
$7,000 bid placed by @AMC_BK
That engine bay is cleannnn!Wow this is clean....this was certainly someone's baby$6,750 bid placed by @SoMDFossilBurner
$6,500 bid placed by @AMC_BK
$5,250 bid placed by @Keyvan
$4,750 bid placed by @Whester
$4,500 bid placed by @Keyvan
Thank you all for the interest and compliments. She runs like a Swiss time piece and presents like one too. Good luck to all!Beautiful car. Love the color!The Euro version of every model looks better with the exception of the w126 sedan. The longer bumpers actually fit the dimensions of the car much better imo. Such a timeless design!If condition is an important criteria in your W126 buying decision, this is a winner. Beautiful car !!!$4,250 bid placed by @Whester
$4,000 bid placed by @valentino
$3,500 bid placed by @Whester
$1,991 bid placed by @Elo1725