Mercedes-Benz is renowned for creating luxurious automobiles with a distinctively Germanic flavor. This was particularly apparent in their lineup from the 1960s to the mid-1990s, where their Teutonic designs and purposeful interiors continue to be highly desired to this day. The S Class is known to be their flagship full-size luxury sedan and a technological leader to this day. The second generation, known as the W126 was introduced in 1979 and enjoyed a long production run before the third generation entered in 1991. It came in standard and long wheelbase four-door sedan form, as well as a two-door coupe. This example is a superb long-wheelbase 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL from Florida, with 45,000 miles on the clock that’s reported to have been garaged all its life. If it’s sublime Eighties V8-powered Germanic luxury you are looking for, this car will fit your bill.

Exterior and Interior

Designed by Bruno Sacco, this generation of S-Class introduced the styling language for the Eighties and early Nineties Mercedes-Benz models, with its relatively squared off proportions. However, its aerodynamics were an improvement over the previous W116 generation. This 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL stands at over five meters long and looks imposing with its shiny black paintwork, contrasting grey lower quarters, and shiny chromed 15” Mercedes-Benz rims, shod with new 205/55 tires. Up front, headlamps with their own wipers and the imposing grille topped by the three-pointed star ornament leave passers-by in no doubt as to what this is. At the rear, discreet twin tailpipes merely hint at the V8 power lurking beneath the hood. The optional sunroof completes the package. The interior is finished in black with wood trim as well. It is reported that the driver’s seat has suffered a bit of wear. The leather seats are powered at the front, a single-zone climate control system is present as is the original Becker Grand Prix radio that came with this model. Other toys include heated seats, power windows and a power antenna for the radio.

Engine

The W126 generation came with a range of gasoline and diesel engines ranging from 2.6L to 5.5L. This 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL is equipped with the top-range 5.5L M117 fuel-injected V8. For the North American market, this engine put out 275hp and 317 lb ft due to emissions regulations, whilst in Germany, it got 25hp and 19lb ft extra. No fuss though, as that power is channeled to the rear wheels through a four-speed 4G-TRONIC automatic gearbox, resulting in a 0-60mph time of 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 150mph.