This is a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC and it’s how ballers rolled in the 1980s. This particular 500SEC is upgraded with some in-period AMG upgrades that really make it stand out. Today I’m reviewing this 500SEC and I’ll show you the many quirks and features. I’ll also get behind the wheel and review the driving experience.
source.image: Doug DeMuro
Found in the cabin is Mushroom-colored leather across the door panels, transmission tunnel, and dashboard. Adding to the 1980s vibe is the wooden veneer, particularly across the center console and dashboard. Powering this classic S-Class is the original V8 engine which, in its day, produced 228 hp (170 kW) at 4,750 rpm and was enough to send the car through to a 140 mph (225 km/h) top speed.
Although it had not yet merged with Mercedes-Benz, “pre-merger” AMG offered body kits for all W126 models, as well as a “wide body” kit for the coupe. The “wide body” cars were fitted with distinctive AMG-designed front and rear fenders and door panels that allowed much wider wheels and tires to be fitted.
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AMG also offered engine modifications with displacements of 5, 5.5, and 6 litres. The most famous and rarest was the DOHC 6-litre engine, based on the original 117.968 engine. Some of options offered were Gleason Torsen differential in various ratios, manual transmission (extremely rare), and various TV/radio consoles.
