Minneapolis Street Sighting: Mercedes 500 SEL

Continuing with yesterday's theme, I present to you, another Mercedes S-Class, and no its not a coincidence that this one is the successor to yesterday's post. The W126 series was launched in 1979, and stayed in production till the end of 1993 for some markets, including the US Market. Unlike the previous W116, the W126 was available in both coupe and sedan form, a tradition that would continue on for the remaining generations.

 As with the current S-class, there were short wheelbases and long wheelbases available; in typical Mercedes fashion, the longer-wheelbase cars are denoted by an L in the nomenclature, seen here. As with many other cars of this era, the long-wheelbase versions are packed with even more luxury than the standard cars, this making these the ultimate Benz. Unless you counted the 560SEC as the ultimate Benz, that is.

The car we have here is powered by the 5.0L V8 and made about 240 horse and 300 lb/ft of torque. While no acceleration monster, this engine, combined with a weight of about 3600 lbs was enough to propel the big luxoboat to 60 in 8 flat, and onto a top speed of 137 to 147 depending on year. 

Unlike the white W116 in lurking in the background, this W126 seemed to be in great shape; no evidence of rust, and the paint was still shiny—and it didn't resemble a cheapie MAACO respray either. Again, unlike the car in the background, the trim shown here was still gleaming under the summer sun, and if I am correct, the last time I saw this example, it still is.

The wheels on this particular W126 aren't factory fresh but they're not bad; I liked them, and they seem to suit the car well. I would have liked to see this W126 sporting Pentas, though, but those were fairly rare when this 500 was new—and they still are.

I am glad I shot this car for two reasons; I have always liked the W126, especially in sedan guise, and I haven't seen many of the long-wheelbase cars.  Also, when I do run across Ws these days, they're likely beaten to within an inch of their lives. Sad, really, but what "old luxury car" that hasn't yet reached collector status isn't?