Pick Of The Day: 1985 Mercedes-benz 500sel

It’s the mid-1980s and you were just promoted to vice president at your brokerage firm with a huge raise and giant bonus structure. What is the first thing you do? Go to the Mercedes-Benz dealer and order a brand-new S-Class, of course, as it’s THE car to best announce your newfound status and wealth to the world.

This might sound kind of silly, but it is literally what happened in the 1980s, especially among people working in the financial industry. In fact, I remember when my dad’s boss was made president of Bache Halsey Stuart Shields; the car he chose to celebrate the occasion was a 500SEL. The “W126” Mercedes S-Class of the 1980s was the automotive personification of “making it.” Not only was it the finest European luxury car of the time, but it also was the most expensive, with a cost of more than $77,000. If any car signified wealth, it was the Mercedes 500SEL. The Pick of the Day is nice example of this ultimate 1980s status cars: a 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Nashville.

The W126 Mercedes S-Class truly lives up to its hype. Even in 2026, it still feels like one of the best luxury cars ever built. I had the opportunity to ride in the back of a friend’s 500SEL at Amelia this year, and the experience was nothing short of transformative. To me, the W126 S-Class represents the pinnacle of Mercedes build quality, and I don’t believe the company has equaled it in the more than 40 years.

This specific 500SEL is finished in its original factory black paint, which looks to be in show-quality condition. This comes as no surprise, considering this example has covered only 59,000 miles from new.

The interior is much the same, with spotless factory original Palomino leather seating, color-matched door panels and carpets, and burl walnut accents along the center console and dash (with no evidence of cracking or fading). Amenities include the factory-original Becker Mexico Grand Prix radio, heated power front seats with memory, and optional heated and power-adjustable rear seats.

Under the hood is the original Mercedes 5.0-liter M117 V-8 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. In its heyday, the 500SEL, despite its size and weight, was able to cover the 0-to-60 sprint in 8.2 seconds and had a top speed in excess of 130 mph. They were the essence of quick, luxurious transportation for the well-to-do.

For decades, these almost mythic Mercedes-Benz W126 S-Class sedans were available for surprisingly little money. More recently, they’ve regained their status, particularly among younger collectors. As a result, nice examples with low miles can command serious money. This 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL is right in the middle: It has enough mileage to lower its value as a collector car somewhat but is one I would consider buying immediately, as the seller is asking only $26,500. The deal is made even sweeter when you consider it has new tires, new vacuum pump, new shifter bushings, and has had a recent brake fluid and oil change, as well as air-conditioning service. If you have never driven one of these, I guarantee you will understand what the fuss is about after a single drive in this one.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com