1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC

4,973cc SOHC V8 Engine
Bosch K-Jetronic Fuel Injection
231bhp at 4,750rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Stunning, era-appropriate Cypress Green Metallic over Parchment leather livery
*Highly original and superbly preserved example, retaining much original paint and interior
*Great documentation on file, including import papers and original books and owners' manuals
*Rush delivered to California when just months old via air freight to LAX


THE MERCEDES-BENZ 500 SEC

When production of the SLC (R107) was wound up in the early 1980s, it left a premium-coupe-shaped hole in the Mercedes-Benz model range. In 1981 the world was treated to the unveiling of a glamorous new luxury coupe that was based on perhaps the finest car on the planet at the time – the W126 S-Class-based SEC. This stylish and sleek coupe was revealed to the world at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September under the banner of the new 'Mercedes-Benz Energy Concept'. Halving the door count, lowering the roof line and removing the B pillars gave the SEC a rakish and sporting appearance but, in true Mercedes-Benz fashion, the big coupe remained safe and strong.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This exceedingly well-preserved 500 SEC left the Mercedes-Benz Works during April of 1982, destined for the home market where the Wuppertal branch would take delivery. The car just was finished as it appears today, in the striking, era-appropriate Cypress Green Metallic over Parchment leather interior. The long list of options included sunroof, climate control, ABS brakes, cruise control and much more. Shortly after entering the Wuppertal Mercedes-Benz dealer showroom, the Cypress Green SEC would be acquired by a Southern California businessman, reportedly as a Christmas present for his wife, and flown on a KLM Jumbo Jet to LAX, where it was imported through official channels to be registered in California. Paperwork documenting this can be found in the impressive history file, which also includes the original owner's manuals.

The car is believed to have remained in California ever since, kept in excellent preserved state inside and out. Today, 138,223 kilometers (85,887 miles) are recorded on the odometer at time of cataloging, and much of the exterior paint and the interior appears to be original. The car has a great feel of authenticity, with a largely untouched trunk, containing original unused spare wheel, tool roll and jack, and equally preserved engine compartment, with factory decals and markings in place. The original importation sticker is affixed to the door jamb as well. These desirable Euro-market super Coupes have a great stance and bodyline with the originally designed non-impact bumpers. With excellent originality and superb documentation on file, this Autobahn-bruiser deserves serious consideration.