500SE
New Kid on the Block

First registered in January 1985, this was produced just before the midlife facelift
but since it had only covered 78000 miles over 20 years when I found it earlier this year
it seemed like a damn good idea, particularly as its latest owner was also a Mercedes
enthusiast and had cared for it well, being its first owner since returning from a 14-year
holiday in Portugal - probably explains why the body is so good!

This one is the standard length, has the classic Mexican hat alloys, tan leather interior
and usual toys (except for no aircon - never mind). It has pretty much all its stamps and
drives beautifully. A great example of this legendary model!

560SEL
King of the Road!!

Launched in 1985, when the W126 range was given its major midlife facelift,
the 560SEL topped the range and sported most of what on the lower models
were optional extras.

Pushing close to 2 tons of car along is a 300bhp V-8,making over 330lbft of torque,
mated to the usual 4-speed self-shifter. At the time, tests revealed that this
meant 60mph in 7 seconds and a top speed of over 150mph, though when you're driving it,
what impresses at speed is the huge lunge forward when you trigger kickdown at
motorway speeds... though doing this frequently is going to cripple the already
average fuel consumption!