Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 203
1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL AMG 6.0 VIN. WDB1260371A086730
Sold for US$63,250 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 203
1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL AMG 6.0
1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL AMG 6.0
VIN. WDB1260371A086730
VIN. WDB1260371A086730
5,953cc M117 DOHC V8 Engine (see text)
Bosch Jetronic Fuel Injection
385bhp
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Legendary W126 quality meets AMG performance
*Reportedly used by AMG co-founder Hans-Werner Aufrecht
*A fantastic pre-merger flagship sedan
*Includes M117 block and AMG heads
*Requires recommissioning
THE MERCEDES-BENZ W126
Ask just about any Mercedes-Benz enthusiast, and they'll say Mercedes-Benz's legendary quality peaked with the W126 S-Class. Introduced at the Frankfurt motor show in the fall of 1979, the W126 had been in development since its predecessor, the W116 entered production in 1972, demonstrating the engineering team's total dedication to building the finest sedan in the world. Bruno Sacco's styling team led a masterclass in timeless design, creating a car that was understated yet with a commanding presence. Offered in standard, long wheelbase, and coupe form, the W126 could be tailored to suit just about any whim, while a variety of six- and eight-cylinder petrol engines provided ample motivation. For the luxury car buyer with a frugal streak, five- and six-cylinder diesel engines were also offered. In keeping with S-Class tradition, the car oozed quality from every surface. Every function and feature of the W126 was carefully considered and engineered for precise, reliable operation, earning the S-Class countless accolades from the press and public alike throughout its lengthy production run.
AMG created many of their most memorable and desirable models of the pre-merger era using the W126 as a basis. Whether in coupe or sedan form, a W126 with the AMG treatment is an icon of the 80s. It was also the first application of the double overhead cam, 32-valve cylinder heads on the M117 V8 engine – which was developed into the mighty 6-liter version that appeared in the Hammer super saloon. In the W126, the 32-valve engine brought mega performance to this luxurious sedan.
THE CAR OFFERED
This 500 SEL is a long-wheelbase 126 sedan, delivered new to the European market and reported in notes left by Mr. Taylor that it was previously used by AMG co-founder Hans-Werner Aufrecht, although additional supporting documentation has not been uncovered. Finished in black over grey upholstery, it is fittingly well-equipped for the company boss, with a full AMG body kit, sport seats, AMG wood trim, and Penta wheels. The car is presented in very good cosmetic condition, with its rare and desirable AMG styling parts intact.
As offered, the M117 V8 engine has been removed from the engine bay, and the California Emissions Lab data plate affixed to the chassis indicates this car wore the big-displacement 5,953cc (6-liter) M117 V8 engine. The accompanying engine is in long-block form and in otherwise unknown condition and the rare AMG double overhead-cam, 4-valve cylinder heads have been removed, but are included in the sale. Close inspection shows that pistons fitted to the block show evidence of the necessary clearances required to accommodate the 4-valve heads. The remaining mechanical condition has not been evaluated, and the car will require extensive recommissioning.
Pre-merger AMG cars have been increasingly on the radar of serious collectors, and this 500 SEL presents an excellent opportunity to acquire a viable project on which to make your mark.
Footnotes
Note, due to California emissions laws, this vehicle may only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside the state of California or to a licensed automotive dealer.
Saleroom notices
Please note that while the emissions label denotes 5.9-liter displacement, the accompanying engine may displace 5.2 or 5.4-liters. Additional photos of the included engine components have been added to the gallery and the cylinder heads appear to be incomplete.
Additional information
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