Benchmark Coupe: 1984 Mercedes Benz 500 SEC – SOLD!

August 19, 2021 Update – we confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

July 30, 2021 Update – While preparing our latest Free For All Friday features, we confirmed the seller of this ’84 Mercedes 500 SEC just lowered their asking price from $10,200 to $9,900.

Big coupes have been a staple of the automotive landscape for eons, starting with the likes of Cadillac Eldorados and Lincoln Continentals. Eventually, the Germans got into the mix, and no one did it better than Mercedes-Benz with its stately W126 two-doors. This 1984 500SEC was originally listed in July 2021 on Craigslist in Syracuse, New York with loads of new parts installed and promises of extensive service records and receipts for a revised $9,900 (the original ask was $10,200). Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his 500SEC priced quite fairly, with a #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $25,300 and a #3 “Good” estimate coming in at $14,000.

Much is said these days about the state of Mercedes-Benz, and its best days being behind it. It’s easy to see why with cars like the 500SEC, as this model and others in the company’s lineup through the 1980s and early 90s were among the best it has ever built. The build quality was exceptional, and despite the maligned reputation of vintage European cars, the Mercedes drivetrains were near bulletproof if you looked after them. Bodies weren’t prone to rust unless sorely neglected (although the jack points were always suspect) and the interiors were made of materials that seemingly never aged, even in cars that weren’t garaged regularly. The SEC coupes offered gorgeous styling and conservative cabins, with both amplified handily courtesy of the missing B-pillar.

The seller’s car looks quite sharp on period-correct gold BBS wheels, which pair nicely with the deep navy paint job. This is a standard U.S. market car, which bears mentioning because the early 80s were the height of the gray market Mercedes rush. This one would look significantly better with the European-spec headlights swapped in, an easy and affordable upgrade. The seller’s list of recent maintenance jobs and replacement parts is quite lengthy, with new parts ranging from a new fuel pump and accumulator to fresh tie rods and replacement hoses, among other updates. The air conditioning doesn’t work, but the seller promises the buyer will receive extensive maintenance paperwork and receipts as confirmation of the 500SEC being a well-looked after example. This is a classic Mercedes that will likely continue to appreciate – good luck with the purchase if you decide to take it home!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“It was the W126 S-Class, beginning in 1979, that saw this model become a top-tier luxury good and a lasting symbol of affluence throughout the 1980s. The smoothed-over styling of the W126 S-Class signaled a newfound focus on aerodynamics and fuel-efficiency.
The 500 SEC was Mercedes-Benz flagship model and the last of the line of hand-built cars from this historic company. Records and receipts are available!

1984 Mercedes Benz 500 SEC
Pillarless coupe
145k miles
Blue w Paloma (tan) interior ( sought after color)
Gold bbs wheels
Automatic /V8
Moonroof works
Heated seats work
Cruise control works
Odometer is accurate and works

Car was $65k new in 1984! Acquired in 2020 from Vermont ( gentleman owned car dating back to 1990) Car drives and handles great! The following service has been done in the last 6-12 months:

New tires
New battery
New front brakes ( back brakes are at 50%)
New fuel pump
New fuel accumulator
Née fuel pump relay
New fuel pressure dampers
Replaced brake hoses, power steering hose, trans cooler hose
Cooling system flush
Brake fluid flush
Oil change
Tie rod replacement
Alignment

New headliner/ new upholstered back cargo tray. Purchased new chrome for all chrome trim ( in trunk have not put on yet). Ac is inoperable and I did not plan to do personally as I only drive in warm months with both windows down. I personally do not need the ac. Radio needs to be upgraded. Once again I decided not to do radio and the next owner can go after an original or suit to their style ($200-$300) seat belt extenders do not function. Seat belts work perfectly fine. Interior in very good condition with new floor mats. Exterior of car in very good condition. One very small pitting spot on back wheel well which I was quoted at $600 to have professionally taken care of paint etc. both mechanics who have worked on car have stated car is in very good shape mechanically and cosmetically ie not a rust issue and undercarriage in very great shape for age etc.

Very solid service records to show the car was well cared for! No low ballers, please do not waste my time. $10,500″

Do you have a Mercedes-Benz 500SEC story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!