1987 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE 

Out of a combination of a lifelong automotive passion and an unyielding desire to support the people of his Alabama community, the Generous Collection was born. Mr. Greg Rusk, a successful business leader in the cardboard industry, with a big heart for helping families and friends in times of need, would regularly pay overly generous fees to acquire an interesting vehicle. After decades of collecting and supporting local automotive enthusiasts, the Rusk family is ready for these vehicles, each with their own story, to write their next chapter back on the road, where they belong.

The Generous Collection debuts with Part 1 offering over 200 cars in October, all offered without reserve, emerging from years of long-term silent storage. Many additional lots will be offered in the coming months. From the quiet shadows of the Generous Collection to the sunshine of backroads and highways, enthusiasts now have the opportunity to own a piece of a generous car-collecting legacy. 

* * *

The 1987 Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL was part of the W126 series, the second generation of the S-Class, produced from 1979 to 1991. Renowned for its engineering excellence and understated luxury, the 420 SEL was a long-wheelbase sedan that embodied Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to safety, performance, and comfort.

Powered by a 4.2-liter V8 engine (M116), the 420 SEL delivered 221 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. It featured rear-wheel drive and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 8.3 seconds, with a top speed of 137 mph.

The W126 platform was notable for its aerodynamic design, advanced safety features for the era, and high-quality materials. “The interior is a showcase of craftsmanship — fine wood veneers, supple leather, and ergonomically designed controls create an environment of timeless elegance,” said Mercedes-Benz, all hallmarks of the 420 SEL. It was a favorite among executives and dignitaries, symbolizing prestige and reliability. The 420 SEL was described by Road & Track magazine as “a car that doesn’t shout for attention but earns respect with every mile.”

Highlights

• Offered from The Generous Collection

• Showing 72,519 miles

• Finished in Arctic White (147U) paint over a Gray (278) leather upholstery

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report

• Powered by a 4.2-liter “M116” V8 with Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection rated at 221 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque

• Four-speed automatic transmission

Features

• Factory options include:

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

  • 240 – Outside Temperature Indicator

  • 241 – Front Seat LH Electric Adjustable with Memory

  • 242 – Front Seat RH Electric Adjustable with Memory

  • 412 – Electric Sliding Roof with Tilting Device

  • 446 – Tempomat (Cruise Control), Steering Column, Electrically Adjustable, And Airbag

  • 461 – Instrument with Miles Indicated and English Legend

  • 491 – U.S. Version

  • 506 – Outside Rear View Mirror, Left and Right, Heated (Electrically Adjustable on the Right)

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

  • 524 – Paintwork - Preservation

  • 531 – Automatic Antenna

  • 543 – Sun Visor with Vanity Mirror, Illuminated, Left and Right

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

  • 588 – Automatic Climate Control and Electric Window Lifters (Front and Rear Doors)

  • 592 – Heat-Insulating Glass, All-Around, Heated Rear Window Pane, Band Filter

  • 600 – Headlamp Wiper/Washer

  • 611 – Courtesy Lamps for Front and Rear Doors

  • 640 – 15-Hole Light Alloy Rims

  • 877 – Reading Lamp in the Rear

• Power steering, brakes, windows, mirrors, seats

• Now has Kenwood AM/FM/CD with MP3, AUX, and remote control

• General Altimax RT 205/65R15 tires

Known Imperfections

• While reasonable efforts were made during preparation for the sale, due to the volume of cars in this collection it was not possible to diagnose or detect all imperfections present in the cars.

• Paint chips on front bumper

• Wear on driver’s seat

Included

• Spare tire and jack

• Owner’s manual, maintenance schedule, and warranty info

• Spare wire set

Ownership History

This 1987 Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL is offered from The Generous Collection of no reserve automobiles. The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places it in New York, Florida, and (currently) Alabama.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: William Cooper  Phone: 469.463.4542  email: wcooper@hagerty.com 

Alabama Sales Tax Notice to Bidders: Because this car is located in Alabama, the selling dealer may be required to collect and remit Alabama state sales taxes of up to 2% of the purchase amount, even if the buyer plans to register the car outside of Alabama, if (a) the buyer is located in AZ, CA, FL, IN, MA, MI, or SC (capped at $500 in SC), and (b) the buyer does not transport the car out of Alabama using a common carrier (e.g., if the buyer drives the car or transports the car out of Alabama on a personal trailer). Additionally, the selling dealer may be required to collect and remit Alabama county or city taxes from buyers located outside of Alabama, if (a) the buyer does not transport the car out of Alabama using a common carrier (e.g., if the buyer drives or transports the car out of Alabama on a personal trailer), and (b) the buyer fails to provide an executed Drive-Out Certificate for Nonresidents. For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Alabama that are sold to residents of another state.  

Please note that all lots in The Generous Collection are offered after many years of storage, without operation or service, in warehouse facilities. The seller endeavored to provide limited mechanical servicing to bring some cars back to running potential, however, not all cars will be running at time of sale. Because of the extended static display, it must be assumed that all cars will require additional mechanical attention before being driven safely and, in most cases, cleaning to both the interiors and exteriors. All the cars will have imperfections associated with long-term static storage and require extensive sorting to perform best and safely. The burden of determining a car’s status, both mechanical and cosmetic, rests fully on the bidder, prior to bidding and the close of the auction. All lots are sold as is, where is.

Additionally, due to the location of the collection and limited access to the facility following the close of the auction, all lots must be retrieved while a Hagerty Marketplace representative is onsite beginning Monday, November 3 through Wednesday, November 19. No cars can be retrieved prior to November 3 and any lots remaining after November 19 will be re-located outside in the parking lot for retrieval by their buyers.