1988 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL W126 - Dark Blue - 360,284km - 4.2L M117 V8 Automatic - Restoration Project
W126 420SEL long-wheelbase sedan offered as a restoration project. 4.2-litre V8 present with engine number confirmed. Multiple vendor-disclosed faults.
Overview
The W126 S-Class needs no introduction to Mercedes enthusiasts. Built from 1979 to 1991 and regarded as one of the finest executive saloons of its era, the platform has a dedicated restoration and parts community in Australia. This 1988 420SEL is the long-wheelbase variant fitted with the 4.2-litre M117 naturally aspirated V8, the same engine specification as Lot 245 in this auction. It is offered here as a restoration project or parts vehicle, with the vendor disclosing a range of body, interior and mechanical issues that buyers should review before bidding.
The exterior shows the car's history honestly. Dark navy paintwork has suffered significant clear coat failure across the bonnet, boot lid, and roof, with large areas of bare primer exposed. Photos show rust around the rear window surround, and the boot area shows evidence of moisture ingress and paint failure at the lower panels. Panel alignment is broadly intact but the car has clearly been parked rather than used regularly. Aftermarket 5-spoke alloy wheels have been fitted all round, in an AMG-influenced style, presenting with general age wear and oxidation on the wheel faces.
Vendor discloses the following faults: clear coat peeling (confirmed in photos), rust around the rear window and boot area (confirmed in photos), rust on the roof, driver's door not fully catching its latch, sunroof misaligned, cracked dashboard, and worn seat upholstery. These are material items that buyers should factor into their assessment. The 4.2-litre M117 V8 is present with engine number 11696522066443 listed. The car is described as having been driven to the auction site, though no independent mechanical assessment is available.
For the right buyer, a W126 420SEL at the right price offers genuine restoration potential or a valuable parts source. The W126 enthusiast community is active in Australia and quality body shells with confirmed engine numbers are sought after. This one requires significant cosmetic and functional attention before returning to the road.
Features
* 4.2-litre M117 naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine (engine no. 11696522066443)
* Four-speed automatic transmission
* Rear-wheel drive, long-wheelbase (SEL) body
* Right-hand drive
* Aftermarket 5-spoke alloy wheels (AMG-influenced style)
* Power steering present
* Sunroof fitted (vendor advises misaligned)
* Five-seat configuration
Condition Notes
* Significant clear coat failure on bonnet, boot and roof, large areas of bare primer visible
* Rust around rear window surround and boot area (vendor-disclosed and visible in photos)
* Vendor advises rust on roof
* Driver's door latch not fully catching (vendor-disclosed)
* Sunroof misaligned (vendor-disclosed)
* Cracked dashboard (vendor-disclosed)
* Worn seat upholstery (vendor-disclosed)
Specifications
Year: 1988
Make/Model: Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126)
Badge: 420SEL
Body: Sedan (Long Wheelbase)
Engine: 4.2L M117 V8 naturally aspirated petrol
Engine No: 11696522066443
Transmission: Automatic, 4-speed
Drive: Rear-wheel drive
Odometer: 360,284km
Colour: Dark Blue
Seats: 5
Price Guide: NOT LISTED
VIN: WDB1260352A451738
ENG No: 11696522066443
Most noticeable faults: Clear coat Peeling, rust around rear window and boot area, rust on roof, driver's door not full catching, sunroof misaligned, cracked Dash, Worn seats. Inspection Highly recommended.
Sold unregistered
(Key #CP 2)
Lloyds stock #993302+1
#CCALL
#CCEUR
Location of item: 9 Hi-Tech Drive, Toormina, NSW, Australia
As Standard Auction Practice all Vehicles are Sold Unregistered
As with all vehicles sold in the Classic Car Division, they have been well looked after by their previous owners. This is an Auction Sale. This asset is sold under standard auction conditions, as is, where is. High volumes of incoming product prevent our team from being able to inspect all items individually. All photos, descriptions, odometer readings, hour readings, engine specifications and any condition reports should be used as a guide only and have been compiled after speaking with the owners. To find out more about this lot or to book a live video inspection please contact the Auctioneer Contact which can be found on the Auction Details page. There is no statutory warranty & no cooling off period.
Transport quotes are provided in the bidding centre for delivery to your door or to your nearest depot. Alternatively, you can arrange your own transport, or we can assist with obtaining a quotation for transport to your door prior to bidding. Email [email protected] with your name and lot/stock number and our transport team will be in contact.
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