[W126 Coupe] M1991 560 SEC value chart

[joe chiappinelli]

Gerry,

I've often been somewhat confused by the production numbers I've seen
listed from various sources. While I'm fairly confident that the 2,138
figure for 1991 is accurate, I'm not sure if the number represents
worldwide production or just North American. If North American, how many
were built solely for the US market? And the number produced may not
accurately reflect the number sold. Your source seems to indicate 676 of
the 2,138 produced were sold in the US. A 2007 posting on Benzworld (
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w126-s-se-sec-sel-sd/1333987-production-numbers-560-sec.html)
contains a document which appears to indicate 1,806 model year 1991 SECs
were sold in the US market. I guess I remain confused.

Back to my value question. Let's say only 676 WERE sold in the US in 1991.
I have documented 137 of those 676 by VIN # in my database. Let's also say
that the examples out there that have the best chance of reaching some
level of collector status would need to be low mileage cars in excellent,
original condition. Let's further say that such cars would need to have
100,000 miles or less since high mileage examples would be more likely to
need some work and these cars would be expensive to restore to
"collectible" condition.  Of the 137 currently in my database, only 40, or
29% have less than 100,000 miles. If my database is a fair representation,
that would mean that there are less that 200 1991 560 SECs remaining with
the potential to reach collectible status. Of course this is all very
unscientific but 200 is a small enough figure to drive prices up for
collectors seeking a prime example of the last and best model year for
these coupes.

BTW...I believe it was last year sometime that the Mercedes Claasic Center
officially recognized the 126 coupe as a "young classic", a distinction
indicating future collectible status.

all fun and games....

J.Chip

On Fri, Nov 25, 2011 at 12:55 PM, Gerry Van Zandt <gerryvz at me.com> wrote:


> Total production of the 560SEC:

>

> 1985:  989 units  (1986 model year units produced in calendar year 1985)

> 1986:  4745

> 1987:  5476

> 1988:  5012

> 1989:  5299

> 1990:  5270

> 1991:  2138 (671 units sold in the US)

>

> So the total production (worldwide) was 28,929 cars

>

>

>

> Another source I have regarding total production of the 560SEC:

>

> 1986: 5786 units (1748 sold in the US)

> 1987:  5456 (1883 sold in the US)

> 1988:  5012 (1748 sold in the US)

> 1989:  5299 (1747 sold in the US)

> 1990:  5270 (1787 sold in the US)

> 1991:  2138 (676 sold in the US)

> 1992:  0 units (557 sold in the US, left-over 1991 models)

>

> This would put total (worldwide) production at 28,961 cars

> And out of those, 10,146 were sold in the US market by MBNA.

> That's 35% of total 560SEC production.

>

> I would be HIGHLY surprised if more than 2,500-3,000 of those 10,100 US

> cars were still registered

> & actively being driven on the road today.

>

> You are correct that during the 1980s, diesel-engined Mercedes (primarily

> the W124 240D and 300D) were more popular

> than gasoline-engined MB models.  The W126 300SD and W124 diesel models

> (from model year 1987) were also popular though.

>

> Cheers,

> Gerry

>

>

>

>

>

>

> On Nov 25, 2011, at 11:15 AM, mbcoupes-request at mbcoupes.com wrote:

>

>

> How many of the 560 SEC models came to the US and what is a reasonable

> estimate of today driving around.

> I have also in good condition 1984 300SD, which is my spare tank.

> I guess there are not too many either, because Americans are not in favor

> of diesels.

>

> Ronny

>

>

>

> The MB Coupes Website!

> W126 SEC Mailing List

> Postings remain property of MB Coupes, L.L.C.

>

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