Mercedes-Benz - 500 SEL - 1981
11
days
02
hours
52
minutes
03
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Arjan Rietveld
Thirty years' experience with classic cars, specialising in Italian cars and Porsche.
Estimate € 19,000 - € 21,000
No bids placed
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Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL from 1981.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
GENERAL:
A manic, very well-maintained Mercedes-Benz from the 1980s, equipped with the legendary and indestructible M117 5.0-liter V8 engine. This pure enthusiast car was originally delivered in Switzerland and was fully dealer-maintained there up to 180,000 kilometers. The car was bought at the time from the second owner, an older Dutch gentleman, and has since belonged to a member of various classic car clubs. Due to thinning out the collection, a new enthusiast now has the chance to acquire this mighty V8 dream car. The car has been officially valued by BEHVA (Belgian Federation for vintage vehicles) at €24,000.
BODYWORK & PAINT:
The bodywork is in exceptionally healthy, original condition and has never had welding. The car remains in its original first paint, finished in the beautiful color Lapis Blue. The paint is in good condition and shows only light, normal signs of use that suit a clean car of 45 years old.
The car is equipped with the original glass, lights, lenses, and rubbers, all in good and functional condition. The rare, original Barock wheels have been fully restored in the original paint. The previous 18-inch OZ wheels have now been removed; the car is back to its correct original Barock wheels with brand-new tires mounted in April 2026.
TECHNICAL:
The legendary 5.0 V8 starts and runs wonderfully. In April 2026, the car underwent a major service where all fluids and filters were replaced and new spark plugs installed. The brakes are in top condition, the belts are in excellent shape, and the suspension feels fantastic. There is a complete and conclusive maintenance history from kilometer one available with the car. The car starts immediately and delivers the powerful, smooth driving experience this generation of top-class coupes and sedans is known for.
INTERIOR:
The original ash-gray leather interior is fully intact and very well cared for. The door panels and headliner are undamaged. The original dashboard shows the familiar two small cracks on the left and right sides, but these are not distracting. It was deliberately kept unreplaced to maintain the car's complete authenticity and originality.
The gear lever is finished in Zebra wood; this is a high-quality, 1980s Mercedes aftermarket shifter installed by the second owner, providing a refined driving experience and extra flair. A Pioneer car stereo with CD player is installed, which can easily be swapped out to taste if desired. All interior systems function properly, including the electric windows, sunroof, gauges, ventilation, and lighting.
DOCUMENTATION:
The car is technically and administratively fully documented. The original manual, all instruction booklets, the service book with official dealer stamps, and several additional invoices are present. The vehicle is currently registered in Belgium as a classic car and has recently been inspected, valid until April 2028.
VIEWING & COLLECTION:
The car can be viewed and collected in Belgium. Should you be seriously interested, you are welcome to arrange an inspection after scheduling via Catawiki. Please feel free to contact us for more detailed photos or additional information prior to a potential viewing.
OTHER INFORMATION:
This is a unique opportunity to acquire a perfectly healthy, unmolested Swiss top-class V8. The car runs royally and the price is negotiable alongside the car. As a nice extra detail, a set of original blue Zalzar curtains for the rear windows will also be included with the sale. A pure enthusiasts’ car that is fully road-ready.
GENERAL:
A manic, very well-maintained Mercedes-Benz from the 1980s, equipped with the legendary and indestructible M117 5.0-liter V8 engine. This pure enthusiast car was originally delivered in Switzerland and was fully dealer-maintained there up to 180,000 kilometers. The car was bought at the time from the second owner, an older Dutch gentleman, and has since belonged to a member of various classic car clubs. Due to thinning out the collection, a new enthusiast now has the chance to acquire this mighty V8 dream car. The car has been officially valued by BEHVA (Belgian Federation for vintage vehicles) at €24,000.
BODYWORK & PAINT:
The bodywork is in exceptionally healthy, original condition and has never had welding. The car remains in its original first paint, finished in the beautiful color Lapis Blue. The paint is in good condition and shows only light, normal signs of use that suit a clean car of 45 years old.
The car is equipped with the original glass, lights, lenses, and rubbers, all in good and functional condition. The rare, original Barock wheels have been fully restored in the original paint. The previous 18-inch OZ wheels have now been removed; the car is back to its correct original Barock wheels with brand-new tires mounted in April 2026.
TECHNICAL:
The legendary 5.0 V8 starts and runs wonderfully. In April 2026, the car underwent a major service where all fluids and filters were replaced and new spark plugs installed. The brakes are in top condition, the belts are in excellent shape, and the suspension feels fantastic. There is a complete and conclusive maintenance history from kilometer one available with the car. The car starts immediately and delivers the powerful, smooth driving experience this generation of top-class coupes and sedans is known for.
INTERIOR:
The original ash-gray leather interior is fully intact and very well cared for. The door panels and headliner are undamaged. The original dashboard shows the familiar two small cracks on the left and right sides, but these are not distracting. It was deliberately kept unreplaced to maintain the car's complete authenticity and originality.
The gear lever is finished in Zebra wood; this is a high-quality, 1980s Mercedes aftermarket shifter installed by the second owner, providing a refined driving experience and extra flair. A Pioneer car stereo with CD player is installed, which can easily be swapped out to taste if desired. All interior systems function properly, including the electric windows, sunroof, gauges, ventilation, and lighting.
DOCUMENTATION:
The car is technically and administratively fully documented. The original manual, all instruction booklets, the service book with official dealer stamps, and several additional invoices are present. The vehicle is currently registered in Belgium as a classic car and has recently been inspected, valid until April 2028.
VIEWING & COLLECTION:
The car can be viewed and collected in Belgium. Should you be seriously interested, you are welcome to arrange an inspection after scheduling via Catawiki. Please feel free to contact us for more detailed photos or additional information prior to a potential viewing.
OTHER INFORMATION:
This is a unique opportunity to acquire a perfectly healthy, unmolested Swiss top-class V8. The car runs royally and the price is negotiable alongside the car. As a nice extra detail, a set of original blue Zalzar curtains for the rear windows will also be included with the sale. A pure enthusiasts’ car that is fully road-ready.
Details
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Model type
500 SEL
Year
1981
Located in
Belgium
Mileage reading
217000 km
Registration papers
with Belgian registration
Transmission
Automatic
Fuel
Petrol
Colour
lapis blue, Blue
Horse power
231
Cubic capacity
5000
Matching numbers
Yes
Matching colours
Yes
Service book/history
Yes
Valid MOT
Yes
Date until valid MOT
April 5, 2027
CoC (Certificate of Conformity) present
On request
Engine number
ja
Chassis number
ja
Condition (Paint & body)
Very Good: minor chips or scratches, minor conventional body and paintwork
Condition (Interior)
Very Good: clean, showing minimal wear. May require replacement of minor missing or broken parts
Condition (Frame & underbody)
Very Good: frame/structure is in a well preserved condition, minor signs of usage/wear
Condition (Mechanical)
Very Good: mechanically sound, may require minor service
Condition (Overall)
Very good condition: minimal signs of wear
Vehicle registration
We can help buyers register their vehicle through our trusted external partner. The process is straightforward and can be completed after purchase. Vehicle registration remains the buyer's responsibility.
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Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
