1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC

Details

Following the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, Europe’s car industry was decimated. In Germany both Daimler and Benz went back to producing cars post-war, however, times were tough. A merger between Daimler and Benz would ensure that both companies survived and following a technical co-operation agreement in 1924, the companies formally merged on the 1st July 1926. Mercedes-Benz was born!

Subsequently, Mercedes-Benz went on to build some of the greatest cars of all time. The cars from Stuttgart bearing the three-pointed star all had one thing in common . . . they were renowned for their technical innovation, build quality, luxury and performance.

In 1951 Mercedes-Benz introduced the Type W187 220 Series cars, which was the first model to be powered by a six cylinder engine post World War II. This model was a great success and built in relatively big numbers. In the 1950’s Mercedes-Benz produced one of the greatest cars of all time – the iconic 300SL Gullwing and 300SL Roadster. Whilst fabulous sporting cars, they were very expensive and generally sold to the rich and famous. The Type W186 and Type W189 300 series four door luxury tourers were built alongside the Type W198 300SL Gullwing and Roadster and they were indeed fabulous cars in their own right, though still very expensive. Mercedes-Benz wanted to build full sized luxury cars that were ‘more affordable’ than the Type W186 and Type W189 300 series cars, so the Ponton range of cars (Type W120/W121/W105/W180/W128) filled that void nicely.

In 1959 Mercedes-Benz introduced the Type W111 as a successor to the very successful Ponton. The Type W111 was built as a sedan, coupe and convertible with many different engine configurations.  The sedans were sold in big numbers all over the world, however, as has been the tradition with Mercedes-Benz the two door and convertible cars were built in far smaller numbers and carried a significant price premium. The majority of the Type W111 models were powered by a 6 cylinder engine of varying capacity, ranging from 2195cc (220 series) through to 2778cc (280 series). In 1969 Mercedes-Benz introduced a new 3499cc V8 engine which they fitted to the Type W111 coupes and cabriolets.

The Type W111 was succeeded by the Type W116, built from 1972 through until 1980, which was formally recognised as the first series of ‘S’ Class cars built.  The Type W126 followed, which was the second series of ‘S’ Class cars. The sedan was first introduced in 1979, followed by the coupe in 1981. As with past models the Type W126 was offered with many different engine sizes and options.

The top of the range flagship model was the 560 SEC, Type W126.045, which was built from 1985 through until 1991. Powered by 5.5 litre V8 that puts out 221kw/300hp the car can reach 250km/h while acceleration from 0 -100 km/hr takes less than 7 seconds. It is probably the most comfortable way to travel across country. In press material, Mercedes-Benz claimed that “ . . . even at 200km/h, you can talk in normal voice or listen to music without being disturbed by wind or road noise”. The high-speed refinement and stability were hardly matched by other cars at the time, let alone one that offered space for four people.

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale an Australian delivered, factory right hand drive 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC.

When new, this car cost almost $250,000 including ‘on road’ costs, making it one of the most expensive cars you could purchase back in 1989.

This car has its original book set with a data card, the original delivery invoice and a substantial history file. All of the documentation on file confirms that this highly optioned car was sold new by Grand Motors Southport on the Gold Coast on the 3^rd May 1989 to its first owner, Ms Dorothy Jean Smith. The car was finished in smoke silver (colour code 702) with a mushroom leather interior (trim code 265). The following option codes are noted on the data tag: 412 = electric tilting/sliding roof steel, 435 = safety belts, 442 = airbag for driver, 551 = anti-theft warning system, 581 = automatic climate control, 625 = Australia version and 809 = change of model year, last figure shows new model year. The following additional option codes are noted on the data card: 233 = fog lamp special wiring, 481 = under shields, 524 = paint coat preservation, 540 = roller blind electric for rear window, 596 = infrared reflecting tinted glass, 601 = oil for limited slip rear axle, 613 = head-lamp unit asymmetrically for left-hand traffic, 664 = tyres 275/65 R17 with rims chromium-plated and 677 = battery for use in tropical countries, higher capacity. The car was originally registered as 427 GAK (QLD).

The car changed hands in c2000 when its first owner was no longer able to drive. It remained with its second owner for a few years until sold to its current Brisbane based owner in 2003, at which time the car had travelled 85,000 km. This 560 SEC has a stamped service book from day one and a thick file of service receipts and documentation dating back to 2002, all of which substantiate the current mileage of 138,388 km as genuine.

This car has been maintained by marque specialists, subsequent to Grand Motors, including: Gold Coast Auto Centre, Ebeling Enterprises, Three Point Classic and Aust-Star Motors.

Today this car presents and drives magnificently. You could ‘time warp’ this car back to the Mercedes-Benz show room floor in 1989 and it would look right at home. In fact, it would not look out of place on the Mercedes-Benz showroom in 2020!

The car was repainted in the mid 2000’s by MB Paint and Panel in Salisbury (Brisbane) and it still presents ‘like new’. There is a tiny stone chip on the front of the driver’s door, but that’s pretty much the only defect we can find! The front of the car, including the bumper is unmarked. All of the external trim, chrome, glass and even the wheels also present also ‘like new’. Inside the cabin, the car presents magnificently. The leather is clean, fresh and supple. There are no rips, tears or even scuff marks . . . it is pretty much mint. The dash, instruments & controls and even the carpet are also in excellent condition. The timber is also excellent and the only blemish we can find are some very minor, light scratch marks near the electric window switches. Everything looks to be in working order, including the sunroof, electric roller blind for rear window and the seat belt presenters, which was a technological innovation for 1989! The air conditioning system probably needs to be regassed as it is not blowing ice cold air.

Open the boot and everything presents similarly to the interior of the car. Finding anything remotely negative about this car is difficult, though you will note from the photographs that the replacement boot mat is not a perfect colour match to the rest of the carpet. Under the bonnet the car is also beautifully presented.

The car starts easily at the turn of the key and even though there is a thumping V8 under the bonnet the engine is incredibly quiet. So how does it drive for a 31 year old car? Probably even better than it looks! It is just a superb car to drive and it does everything in that typical Mercedes-Benz ‘Germanic way’. It is comfortable and effortless to drive but if you have the need or are in the mood you have loads of performance on tap. Make no mistake this is a fast car . . . a real ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’. On the road the car tracks arrow straight, the brakes pull the car up ‘as required’ and it handles superbly. There are absolutely no rattles or squeaks.

Accompanying the car are its books, including a fully stamped service book, the original sales invoice, excellent history file, tool kit, jack emergency triangle and first aid kit.

Sometimes it is hard to get a true representation on the condition of a car from photos, however, in this case we think a picture really does say 1,000 words!

This car has lived a cherished life with three careful owners, all in south-east Queensland. With only 138,388km on the odometer this car will suite a true Mercedes-Benz collector or enthusiast. It would be very hard to find a better example and it could be a serious concours contender. This car is ‘one out of the box’!

Highlights:

• An Australian delivered, factory right hand drive example that has lived in south east Queensland all of its life.
• Matching numbers
• Impeccably maintained by three pedantic owners from new.
• A genuine 138,388 km on the odometer.
• Full service history with books, tools and more.
• Just a beautifully presented motor car that is magnificent to drive.
• The ‘best of the best’.

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