1989 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL Euro

Description

In the late-80s, the heaviest of heavy-hitters was the Mercedes-Benz S-class, with the dramatic 500 SEL sedan at the top of the hierarchy. Luxury machines like this very attractive Pearl Grey 1989 Euro-spec example could hammer the Autobahn all day at triple-digit speeds, coddling their occupants like no other car in the world. For a car that cost the equivalent of more than $100,000 when it was new, this is a great way to get incredible luxury at an incredible discount.

Few cars have a more commanding road presence than an S-class Mercedes, and you'll have no trouble cruising through traffic with this handsome sedan. It's probably wearing its original paint, and it goes to show you what the best paint in the world can deliver, because it still looks great. Of course, some of that is probably thanks to enthusiastic owners, but there's no denying that this car has led an easy life in its globe trekking lifetime. The big sedan has style in spades, with a formal profile and sleek lines (aided greatly by the Euro bumpers and headlights) that definitely announce that this big Benz takes no prisoners. In typical German fashion, the design is restrained and the clean lines minimize the car's size, but there's no denying that this is a lot of sheetmetal hammering down the road. A few bits of chrome, like the surround for the window opening emphasizes the car's best attributes, and there's just no mistaking the big 3-pointed star up front that moves lesser traffic out of the way like a snow plow. Yes, it's 30 years old and there are a few very minor wrinkles here and there, but even a middle-aged Muhammad Ali was still formidable.

Inside, the S-class got every luxury and convenience item Mercedes engineers could imagine in 1989. Power black leather buckets are firm and supportive and in shockingly good condition considering the age on this heavy cruiser. Gorgeous door panels feature different materials and shapes that helped Mercedes break out of its cold, impersonal interior look, and the burled walnut on the center console warms it up inside nicely. Big, clear instruments are similar to those Mercedes always offered, and there's a massive stereo system featuring a Continental AM/FM/CD head unit and speakers fitted throughout the interior. Heated seats, automatic climate control, power windows, and a giant trunk are all included, making this a first-class luxury liner.

The 5.0 liter V8 under the hood is one of Mercedes' most reliable units, capable of running for hundreds of thousands of miles with little more than basic maintenance. Torquey and smooth, it moves the big sedan with the effortless ease of an electric motor, and the relentless push of torque makes it feel like it could accelerate forever. Beautifully maintained, the engine bay is nearly spotless (another reason we're leaning toward those kilometers as being original, despite the lack of undeniable proof), from the big aluminum air cleaner lid to all the hoses and wires that comprise what was, at the time, the world's most technically advanced automobile. Obviously, someone loved this one and the maintenance means that it's still bulletproof reliable today. It's the same deal underneath, where there's a 4-speed automatic with syrupy smooth shifts and a fully independent suspension that soaks up bumps like a hovercraft. Classic Mercedes-Benz alloy wheels look right and wear right-sized Michelin performance radials.

First-class accommodations and a ton of luxury for the price of a mid-class Hyundai. And this one is loaded with manuals and even the original tool-kit, a further example of its well-preserved status. Gray market Euro-specs don't pop in the US too often, and when they do, they don't last long. Call today!