Epilogue Edition:

Arguably, the Mercedes-Benz W126 is the last Mercedes-Benz sedan worth owning. Developed in the late 1970s and a child of the '80s, this star cruiser is still an analog car that exudes Old World charme and can be restored indefinitely, should the need ever arise.

The W126 was built from 1981 until 1991. In its final and largest iteration, the 560SEL, it has set a benchmark that was never surpassed.

The car has been sold new in La Mesa, California, moved from there to San Diego, and eventually ended up in Ventura. It comes with all factory books in the original black leather pouch.

The particular car here was manufactured in late 1990 as a 1991 model. It lived all its life in Southern California and was previously owned by a well-known Jaguar and Ferrari restorer as one of his personal drivers. In 2017 it was put on non-op status and when I purchased a Jaguar E-Type from him and we chatted about my love for classic Mercedes-Benz cars, he offered me this 560SEL for adoption as well.

The car comes with a clean Calfornia Certificate of Title. Curent mileage is 083,166, supported by a clean Carfax, which is also included in the sale.

Let's now check this car out in more detail, starting up front, under the hood.

First thing we notice is the flawless hood pad.

This 560SEL's engine bay is original and clean. It houses the now legendary 5.6-liter SOHC V8 motor made entirely from REYNOLDS 390 light alloy, featuring BOSCH KE Motronic fuel injection. Giving even contemporary sports cars a run for the money, it takes a mere 7 seconds to propel this veritable street rocket from a standing start to 60 mph. Top speed of the 560SEL is 147mph -- clearly Porsche 911 territory!

We went thought the engine with a fine comb, replaced both BOSCH fuel pumps, the fuel filter, one fuel line, and cleaned basically the entire system. The engine runs like a champ, with zero issues to report, as a low mileage Mercedes V8 should.

The body is all original, with all panels still having the factory VIN stickers attached.

Now being 34 years old, the finish shows the typical signs of age, a bit of sand blasting, marks from bird droppings, etc., but it's still shiny enough for a car that's been driven.

Flaws: there's one ding near the rear license plate, paint on top of rear passenger door has worn thin, and the chrome on the wheels could be better.

Let's move on to the interior.

All 4 doors and door panels are flawless, with no hint of corrosion or deteriorating weather stripping.

Inside, the 560SEL exudes a luxurious Old World ambiente.
Burl Walnut veneer and Italian ROSER leather set dominant interior accents, worthy of a Rolls Royce or Bentley, and everything is extremely clean!

The dash board is 100% free of cracks, quite unusual on a car that spent all its life in sunny Southern California.

083,166 is the original mileage this car has traveled in the past 3-^1/2 decades. And, yes, I've noticed that the windshield wiper fluid is low.

Original Mercedes-Benz labeled BECKER stereo system; burled walnut veneer is exceptiionally well preserved throughout, even on the sliding console door!

Power-operated steel sunroof is working flawlessly. Headliner and sunvisors are perfect.

All -- absolutely all -- of the leather seats are original and flawlessly preserved. No cracks, no wear spots, no open seams, guaranteed.

Rear cabin area with fold-out center armrest is as perfect as the front. It has not been used much and the hides have been nourished throughout their live.

Let's move on to the trunk now.

Cavernous trunk area is in excellent condition as well.

Fine, gray velour carpeting is in flawless condition throughout.

Factory spare rests in its own space below the trunk floor. Factory tool rool is complete and present.