15-Years-Owned 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL was designed by Bruno Sacco and introduced at the 1979 Frankfurt Motor Show. As part of the renowned W126 S-Class generation, the 420SEL emphasized safety, comfort, and performance. It featured a long wheelbase for enhanced rear passenger space and was powered by a 4.2-liter V8 engine producing 201 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque. The engine was fed by Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection and paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.  

The car’s performance was impressive for its time, and its aerodynamic design and use of lightweight materials improved fuel efficiency by over 10 percent compared to its predecessor. Inside, the 420SEL offered premium features like optional leather seats, climate control, and advanced safety systems. As The Boston Globe noted at the time, “you pay a lot of money, you get a lot of car.” 

This 420SEL was first sold at Beverly Hills Ltd., Mercedes-Benz, and is said to have remained registered in California since new, which is corroborated by the included clean CARFAX history report. The car is finished in Champagne over Palomino leather upholstery and features an electric sliding sunroof, headlight wipers, and 15-inch Gullideckel alloy wheels. The air conditioning system has been converted to R-134a refrigerant, and additional amenities include a Becker Grand Prix cassette stereo, cruise control, and power-adjustable front seats. 

Highlights 

• 420SEL powered by 4.2-liter M116 V8 

• Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection 

• Four-speed automatic transmission 

• Finished in Champagne (473)  

• Palamino leather upholstery (274) 

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report 

Features  

• Silver-finished 15-inch Gullideckel alloy wheels 

• Air conditioning system converted to R-134a refrigerant 

• The data plate decodes as follows:  

  • 227 – Ashtray, Cigar Lighter at Rear, L and R  

  • 241 – Front Seat LH Electric Adjustable with Memory  

  • 242 – Front Seat RH Electric Adjustable with Memory  

  • 412 – Electric Sliding Roof with Tilting Device  

  • 446 – Cruise Control 

  • 494 – U.S. Version 

  • 506 - Heated, Power-Adjustable Mirrors  

  • 519 – Becker Radio Mexico Grand Prix, Electronic (USA)  

  • 531 – Automatic Antenna  

  • 551 – Anti-Theft/Anti-Break-In Warning System  

  • 588 – Automatic Climate Control  

  • 600 – Headlamp Wiper/Washer  

  • 611 – Courtesy Lamps for Front and Rear Doors  

  • 877 – Reading Lamp in the Rear 

 Known Imperfections  

• Imperfections in the finish include failing clearcoat, scratches, and chips 

• Torn stitching at the top of the rear seat 

• Hood is missing an insulation pad 

• Odometer is inoperative

Included 

• Owner’s manual 

Ownership History 

This 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL was first sold at Beverly Hills Ltd., Mercedes-Benz, and was acquired by its current owner in 2010. The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places the car in California from an initial entry in April 1995 through the most recent entry in June 2021.  

This W126 was last registered in 2023 and is offered by the seller on behalf of the current owner with a clean California title.