Classic Diplomate on 2040-cars

US $6,500.00

Year:1985 Mileage:158000

Location:

North Liberty, Iowa, United States

Classic Diplomate, US $6,500.00, image 1

Classic Diplomate, US $6,500.00, image 2

Classic Diplomate, US $6,500.00, image 3

Classic Diplomate, US $6,500.00, image 4

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Never actually intended for the American market and imported on a very limited basis, the Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL is rare and collectible in its own right. This Mercedes-Benz W126
is one of a series of flagship vehicles manufactured by German automotive Mercedes-Benz. The line premiered in September 1979. The W126 had a twelve-year production run
between 1979 and 1991, the longest of any S-Class generation since the flagship models were first built in the mid-1950s. The W126 was the second generation of the Mercedes- Benz flagship to officially bear the S-Class name referring to Sonderklasse or "special class." This gold Mercedes W126 features a powerful, fuel injected 5-litre, 303 cubic inch V-S engine with 302hp and 4-speed automatic transmission. Compared to its predecessor, the W116, the W126 is more aerodynamic, fuel efficient, capacious, and powerful. The W126 S-Class unveiled a new Mercedes-Benz design style which was
subsequently used on other vehicles in the company's lineup. The W126 line also introduced many Mercedes-Benz safety innovations, including the first airbag supplemental restraint system, seatbelt pretensioners, and traction ccntrol.'"

The SEL refers to the Special Class- Long. The long wheelbase adds to the comfort and luxury of the ride that only Mercedes-Benz can provide. The standard features included:
anti-theft alarm, outside temperature sensor, automatic temperature control, heated outside mirrors, front and back heated seats, electronically adjustable headrests with memory
recline, premium sound system, burred walnut interior with leather and anti-lock braking system.

A black 500 SEL Mercedes was originally purchased by Michael Jackson for his
Neverland Ranch. He later gifted it to his Aunt. These 500 SELs were often used for
diplomatic transports. With the ownership of this vehicle lies the ability to own a piece of
automotive history.

"Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz. My friends all have Porches, I must make
amends. Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends. Oh Lord, won't you buy me
a Mercedes Benz." -Janis Joplin.

Our research indicates that this Gold Mercedes might have been brought in from Canada to Traverse City, Michigan. Its original price in 1985 was over $60,000. Today the S class vehicles are selling for over $100,000 new! We think, from information from a prior owner, that it was owned by the dealer for his personal car and then stored for a while and passed on to a friend. It may have had an engine fire or significant manifold problems but all has been replaced. We have had substantial work done including the replacement of:

· Engine, including all transfers and engine mounts

· Head, intake and exhaust gaskets,

· timing chain, guide rails and tensioner

· distributor cap/rotor and spark plugs

· front and rear crank seals

· air injection check valve, solenoid valve and seals/orings

· oil pressure and temp sender and oil filter stand with orings and gaskets

· manifold, catalytic converter and muffler (by Boubin)

· rewired front wiring harness (not replaced)

This work was done at European Motors Limited in Cedar Rapids, IA We have the documentation.

The interior is in excellent shape for a 28 year old vintage car.

There are some concerns that still need addressing.

Wiring for the rear compartment needs work. It may need replacement of the rear wiring harness.

The rear window controls and reclining and heated seat features are not operative.
The rear windows can be operated from the front compartment. The HVAC is not working properly.
The cruise control is not functioning. There is a slight leak in the fuel pump case seam. It may need
some new shocks.

Mercedes-Benz 500-Series for Sale

Auto Services in Iowa

Trail`s End Auto and Truck Salvage ★★★★★

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Auto blog

X1, 3 Series power BMW back into global luxury autos sales lead

Thu, 14 Mar 2013

BMW managed to eke ahead of Audi for the global luxury sales crown in February. According to Bloomberg, BMW saw deliveries swell by 7 percent in February, besting the 3.2 percent jump enjoyed by Audi and giving BMW a 407-unit delivery lead over its rival last month. Mercedes-Benz, meanwhile, continued to falter, with the brand selling some 37,229 fewer machines than BMW, whose factories are running at full capacity to keep up with demand. Models like the X1 (shown above) enjoyed a sales increase of 40 percent in February while the company's bread-and-butter 3 Series jumped by 26 percent.
Mercedes-Benz hopes to stem its continued market share loss with the addition of the entry-level CLA sedan to its portfolio in April. The company is set to roll out an updated version of its cash-cow E-Class at the same time, and a new-generation S-Class will follow along shortly thereafter. Meanwhile, the company is increasing production to meet demand for its A and B-Class models.

2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class caught totally undisguised

Mon, 18 Mar 2013

Based on the lightly camouflaged spy shots of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class we've seen lately, it hasn't taken a vivid imagination to picture what the next iteration of this big luxury sedan will look like. Even so, we now we have our first unobstructed views of the redesigned S-Class, codenamed W222, as it has just been caught out flaunting for some promo shots.
The first thing we notice about the new S-Class design is the disappearance of the last generation's flared wheel arches. Yet the new design adds even more character with bodyside creases similar to the CLS-Class and some elements reminiscent of 2007's F700 Concept, including the massive grille and vertical LED taillights. Other key details include a large panoramic roof and the narrow exhaust outlets, but the large LED-trimmed headlights and the aggressive front fascia are probably the biggest departure from the current design. With these spy shots, we also catch a blurry shot of the interior, but we've seen a practically uncovered look at the new S-Class' cabin back in January.
Overall, the next S-Class sports an expressive and premium new look, but as far as all-new designs go, it's quite conservative - a move no doubt fitting for these lean financial times.

Clark Gable's 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing doesn't sell, then does sell for $1.85 million [UPDATE: w/video]

Sat, 19 Jan 2013

How much extra value does previous celebrity ownership add to of a car? Really, there's no way to know until the car in question hits the auction block and bidders start raising their hands. In the case of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing you see above, the celebrity owner is none other than Clark Gable, who purchased it new. After Gable's death in 1960, the car changed hands a few times before settling with Charles Wood in 1975.
A high-dollar restoration was performed in 1989, and period accessories added by Gable himself were kept in place, including the Rudge knock-off wheels and Nardi steering wheel. Any Mercedes-Benz 300SL is worth a big chunk of money. In the case of Clark Gable's old Gullwing, the bidding stalled at $1.9 million here at the 2013 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale. As one of the 5000-series cars, this 300SL carried a reserve, and a bit of after-the-fact dealmaking saw the car change hands for $1.85 million.
You can see our high-res image gallery above, and the car's official auction description below.