Number of cylinders: 8
Service history: Present
Number of owners: 3
Registration number: 68-XJX-1

Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse 560 SEL, 1989. Three owners, 56,970 km, service books from new.

Picture it: the door shuts with that deep, reassuring thud only an old Mercedes can make, and the outside world simply goes quiet. That is the S-Class. That has always been the S-Class.

The name Mercedes-Benz is a global byword for luxury, innovation and engineering perfection. Ever since Karl Benz invented the first automobile in 1886, Mercedes-Benz has set the standard for what a premium car ought to be. Within the model range, the S-Class has been the outright flagship for decades: the stage on which Mercedes debuts its most advanced technologies, comfort features and safety innovations.

The Mercedes-Benz W126, built from 1979 to 1991, is widely regarded as one of the finest S-Class generations ever made. This generation blends classic elegance with exceptional build quality and forward-thinking engineering. The model became renowned for its unrivalled reliability, hushed road manners and a level of luxury that was almost impossible to match in its day.

Within the W126 line-up, the 560 SEL is the outright top model. The 5.6 litre V8 delivered not only impressive performance, but above all a silk-smooth power delivery and a truly regal driving experience. The SEL badge stands for Sonderklasse, Einspritzung, Lang: in other words, luxury top class, fuel injection and long wheelbase. That meant extra legroom in the rear and an even higher level of comfort, ideal for chauffeur-driven executives and heads of state.

The story continues on our website, where the full file is kept as well. 69 photographs. The service history, scanned in full. The Carfax report. Paint thickness measured panel by panel. The original factory brochure to page through. A timeline from 1 December 1989 to today, with every owner and the mileage year by year in a single graph.

Every car here follows the same route: first pre-market, then the showroom, and finally the live auction on our own site. What changes is the way you buy, not the location — once a car has arrived, it stays with us in Katwijk. This one is in the showroom and you are welcome to come and see it, no appointment needed. You buy it here at a fixed price: no bidding, no waiting. Our showroom in Katwijk, 30 km from Amsterdam Schiphol, is open Mon–Fri 9–18 and Sat 10–17. Call ahead and it will be standing ready, with someone free for you.

Within the EU no customs duty arises on this purchase. Registration tax and registration costs in your own country are not included. We supply the export documents and assist with the registration. The price shown is the full price for collection in Katwijk. We arrange insured door-to-door transport worldwide, cost quoted per destination beforehand.

Prefer a different colour or specification than this example? Tell us what you are looking for — another Mercedes-Benz we can often find through our network of marque specialists and collectors, outside the listings. Have one of your own: we buy exceptional cars outright, classic or modern.

Our showroom measures 6,000 m², with over 150 cars under one roof. You are just as welcome if you are not buying — walk around, take your time and enjoy the cars; sharing the enthusiasm is half of it.