The Mercedes-Benz W126 was marketed as the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and succeeded the W116 range of vehicles. Produced between 1979 and 1991, a staggering 892,123 W126 variants were built including sedans/saloons and coupes, making the Mercedes-Benz W126 by far the most successful generation of S-Class vehicles to date, as well as the longest in production.

It was after the success of the W116 S-Class in 1972 that Mercedes began preparing for the next generation W126, with a focus on improving the ride-quality, handling and fuel efficiency. The oil crisis in 1973 alongside increasingly stringent emission and safety regulations in the United States had a great impact on the development of the W126.

In 1985 the W126 was revised for the following model year, and this ‘Second Series’ was introduced at the 1985 International Motor Show in Frankfurt with several visual changes and improvements to the various engine options available. Production of the new series ran from 1986 to 1991.

The Mercedes-Benz 420SEL was one such variant of the new ‘Second Series’ S-Class vehicles in Mercedes’ lineup and in 1990 the W126 was the third-ranked luxury vehicle in J.D. Power’s ‘Initial Quality Survey (IQS)’.

THE CAR

Built in July of 1989, this Australian delivered Mercedes-Benz 420SEL is in outstanding condition with extremely low kilometers on the clock – only 46,857.

The car is finished in striking ‘Smoke’ Silver with an immaculate cream leather interior, featuring tasteful wood-grain accents on the dash and door cards that are in excellent condition.

This car is packed with luxury features for 1989, including an original ‘Becker Autoradio’ head unit, an electric clock, an outside temperature gauge, cigar lighter, power windows, an electric sunroof, electric heated front seats, a heated rear screen and automatic climate control.

Equipped with a strong 4.2L (256ci) M116 V8 engine and a smooth 4-speed automatic transmission this car also has hydro-pneumatic suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. Driving is a breeze with good power, handling and braking attributes.

This vehicle has previously been registered in Victoria and comes with the original owner’s manual and documentation.

A stately cruiser that has been very well cared for over the years.