Lot 017: Mercedes-Benz 560SEC

The Mercedes-Benz W126 S-Class saloon was launched in 1979 as the company's flagship model to replace the outgoing W116 line. Designed by Bruno Sacco, the aim was to produce a car that was sleeker and more aerodynamic than the previous model. The application of lighter materials and alloys combined with thorough wind tunnel testing meant the car consumed about 10% less fuel than its predecessor.In 1981 a two-door coupe version was launched and in 1986 came the daddy of them all, the mighty 560SEC. Powered by an all-alloy V8 it produced 295bhp and 336lb/ft of torque, good for a top speed of 156mph and a 0-60 dash of just 6.7 seconds. Rated as one of the best and safest cars in the world, its natural environment was the outside lane of the German autobahn where its immense performance and utter stability at speed earned it the nickname of the 'Porsche Eater'. First registered in August 1988, this particular car was supplied new by Arlington Motor Company of Northampton to Trimoco Holdings. Always in regular use, it has a full service history from new with 18 stamps in the book, averaging out at one service for every 8,800 miles of its 158,400 miles to date. Said to be in very good condition throughout and to drive beautifully, it has a factory sliding steel sunroof, automatically extending seat belt arms and head rests on all four seats. Recently the subject of a cherished number transfer, it now bears the age-related number plate F225 TBD. Altogether a huge amount of car for a very modest sum of money.