The 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL (V126) represented the absolute pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz range in Australia during the mid-1980s. Engineered without compromise and built to standards that have become increasingly rare, the long-wheelbase 560SEL remains one of the most respected luxury sedans ever produced by the marque.
This particular example was delivered new by Lanes Motors Mercedes-Benz of Melbourne on 30 June 1986. It is finished in Astral Silver Metallic (735U), complemented by Royal Blue leather (272) — a quintessential and elegant 1980s Mercedes-Benz colour combination.
It has travelled a documented 168,022 kilometres from new and presents in exceptional condition both cosmetically and mechanically. Importantly, this is the first time the vehicle has been offered to the open used market.
The ownership and servicing history is especially noteworthy:
o Delivered new by Lanes Motors Mercedes-Benz, Melbourne
o Serviced by the supplying dealer through to 1998
o Continued servicing with Mercedes-Benz of South Melbourne (following Lanes’ transition) through to 2002
o Maintained thereafter by independent mechanic
o Sold by its original long-term owner around 2015 to a buyer known to the family, retaining continuity of care
o Significant maintenance undertaken during this period by a well-regarded Mercedes-Benz specialist in Fyshwick, ACT
o Acquired in 2024 by a Mercedes enthusiast in Adelaide, who has travelled approximately 8,000kms prior to offering it for sale
o This continuity of ownership is often reflected in the way a car has been preserved, and this example is no exception.
Having travelled 168,022 kilometres from new, this 560SEL presents with mileage well below what is commonly seen for the model today. It is not unusual for V126 examples to exceed 300,000 kilometres, which speaks to their engineering longevity, however finding a well-documented car with sub-200,000 kilometres is becoming increasingly uncommon.
The Royal Blue leather remains supple and well-kept, the timber veneers are clean and consistent, and the overall presentation reflects careful long-term stewardship rather than short-term ownership. The paintwork presents extremely well for its age and retains a strong, even finish.
Over the past 12 months, the current owner has travelled approximately 8,000 kilometres, ensuring the vehicle has been regularly exercised rather than left idle. As a result, the air-conditioning, cruise control, hydraulic suspension system and associated electrics all present and operate as they should.
Mechanically, the 5.6-litre V8 delivers the effortless torque and refinement for which the 560SEL is renowned. The long-wheelbase chassis provides exceptional ride comfort, while features such as the hydraulic self-levelling rear suspension, climate control, electric seats, cruise control, sunroof, central locking and original period Becker audio system all function as intended.
Accompanying the vehicle are:
o Original books and manuals from new
o Log book documentation
o Two keys
o Documented service history spanning its life
Clean, Australian-delivered 560SEL examples with clear provenance are becoming increasingly difficult to source — particularly those that remain largely original and unmodified. The V126 560SEL represents the final and most developed evolution of the W126 platform and is widely regarded as one of Mercedes-Benz’s greatest engineering achievements.
This is a highly original, well-documented Australian-delivered example that can be enjoyed immediately or retained as a significant long-term classic.
We are a boutique dealership located in a warehouse just 15 minutes from the Sydney CBD and 15 minutes from the airport. We pride ourselves on the quality of our cars and specialise in Mercedes-Benz. Our stock is handpicked and each car is meticulously checked prior to being offered for sale by a specialist third-party technician. We are MTA members and agents for NSW Roads and Maritime Services, enabling us to transfer registrations and perform other transactions such as number plate transfer from our office. A range of other services is also offered including the transport of cars to any state or overseas, and competitive financing rates for all cars including older ones. Our showroom is indoors and off-street parking is available for our customers inside. We are Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts and car club members, and aim to provide our customers with a high level of personalised service befitting of the unique cars that we offer.
The 560SEL (V126 series) was the ultimate Mercedes-Benz limousine that money could buy in Australia as the ‘80s drew to a close, and it was the car of choice for captains of industry and Australia’s wealthiest people.
This impressive example of the range-topping long wheelbase S-Class is from 1990, and was delivered new by Lanes Motors of of Melbourne in July 1990. It is finished in the very desirable combination of Nautical Blue Metallic (929) with Navy Blue soft leather interior, and is still as imposing and luxurious as the day it was delivered. It has covered a documented199,319km and comes with a comprehensive log book history, along with all the original factory literature and spare keys. It has been carefully looked after throughout its life, and as a result has beautiful soft leather seats and burr walnut timberwork throughout the cabin is nice and lustrous. Everything functions as it should, from the ice-cold air-conditioning to the hydraulic self-levelling rear suspension, central locking, power windows, sunroof, electric seats, cruise control, power-reclining rear seat and all the other electrics. Even the original first-aid kit remains in the parcel shelf where it belongs, and the very rare factory-fit Becker Mexio sound system with Compact Disc player is as clear and crisp as the day the car was delivered. Clean, original examples of the W126 S-Class are becoming increasingly difficult to find, and even more so for the V126 long wheelbase models. The 560SEL is the rarest of them all, as only a small number were sold here compared with the six-cylinder and 420 V8 models. This timeless and beautiful 5.6L V8 limousine in Nautical Blue Metallic is a pleasure to drive, and thrills the enthusiast immediately with its handsome lines and well-preserved condition. As an Australian-delivered car with excellent provenance and evidence of careful preventive maintenance, this rare V126 is destined to become a highly collectible classic and needs no spend in order to be enjoyed immediately. It is currently unregistered as its been in a collection for a few years and just come available now.
We are a boutique dealership located in a warehouse just 15 minutes from the Sydney CBD and 15 minutes from the airport. We pride ourselves on the quality of our cars and specialise in Mercedes-Benz. Our stock is handpicked and each car is meticulously checked prior to being offered for sale by a specialist third-party technician. We are MTA members and agents for NSW Roads and Maritime Services, enabling us to transfer registrations and perform other transactions such as number plate transfer from our office. A range of other services is also offered including the transport of cars to any state or overseas, and competitive financing rates for all cars including older ones. Our showroom is indoors and off-street parking is available for our customers inside. We are Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts and car club members, and aim to provide our customers with a high level of personalised service befitting of the unique cars that we offer.
