Description
The Mercedes-Benz W126 model was the successor to the earlier W116 line, and the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz flagship to officially bear the S-Class name designating Sonderklasse or ‘special class’.
The W126 debuted a new Mercedes-Benz design style which was subsequently used on other vehicles in the company’s line up. The model range also introduced many Mercedes-Benz safety innovations, including the first airbag (supplemental restraint systems), seatbelt pre-tensioners, and traction control. Six years of development resulted in the W126 model being introduced at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in September 1979, with design work on the coupé beginning immediately after.
Because the appearance differed from the rest of the Mercedes-Benz fleet at that time, some people did not appreciate the design at its launch; compared to its predecessor, the new model had a sleeker, lower profile look, with more aerodynamic qualities than previous models. For the first time, a Mercedes-Benz saloon was not equipped with traditional chrome bumpers; polyurethane deformable bumpers were used, and visually aligned with body panels.
On offer today we have an extremely rare Mercedes 560 SEL. Offered from the estate of a significant private collector of many cars, motorcycles and military vehicles, this incredible survivor was bought from the showroom new in 1989 by our vendor, and in the intervening years has covered an unbelievable 2,400 kilometres.
Offered in virtually as new condition throughout, this must be one of the best examples available anywhere.
