1991 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL
Description
Debating “the best” is usually a heated affair — unless the topic is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. In that case bet on a 1981-1991 W126 like the 420SEL, as many of them are still on the road over 40 years later.
Five years after the groundbreaking 380 SEL went on sale in the U.S., the 1986 420SEL debuted. Its elegant, 208-inch body featured an aerodynamic design with a V-shaped bumper and grille, a swept-back windshield, and sloping rear glass. The 420SEL comfortably accommodated passengers in its quiet, spacious cabin, which was upholstered with luxurious leather and featured inlaid wood accents. The 121-inch-wheelbase W126 chassis wore a fully independent suspension and big, ABS-enhanced brakes, which provided a supple ride and surprising agility when the powerful, all-aluminum V8 was opened up. Thanks to Mercedes-Benz’s innovation, sophistication, and class-leading engineering, the 420 SEL was a revelation then, and a reliable, highly sought-after vehicle now.
This clean, final-year 1991 420SEL also has an interesting backstory: the consignor states that it was purchased in 2012 by the consignor’s father from the estate of Joseph Barbera, co-founder of the Hanna-Barbera animation studio in California.
Highlights
Timeless, reliable, and elegant 420SEL said to have a Hollywood backstory
4.2-liter alloy V8 rated at 201 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque
Four-speed automatic transmission
Finished in (147U) Arctic White with a (264) Palomino leather interior
Sunroof and automatic climate control with R-134 conversion
15-inch alloy wheels wearing new 205/65R15 Goodyear tires
Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report
Features
Factory installed options include:
227 Ashtray, cigar lighter at rear, l and r
241 Front seat lh electric adjustable with memory
242 Front seat rh electric adjustable with memory
291 Airbag for front passenger
300 Storage box in front tray
340 Additional 3rd stop lamp
412 Electric sliding roof with tilting device
443 Tempomat (cruise control), and steering column, elec adjustable
461 Instrument with miles ind. And English legend
494 Version for USA
519 Becker radio Mexico grand prix, electronic (USA)
524 Paintwork - preservation
531 Automatic antenna
543 Sun visor with vanity mirror, illuminated, left and right
551 Anti-theft/anti-break-in warning system
581 Automatic climate control
592 Heat-insulating glass, all-around, heated rear window pane, band filter
600 Headlamp wiper/washer
611 Courtesy lamps for front and rear doors
639 Elimination of first-aid box and warning triangle
640 15-hole light alloy rims
673 High-capacity battery
801 Change of model year, the last figure showing the new model year
810 Sound system
877 Reading lamp in rear
Known Imperfections
Some wear and paint flaking on engine valve covers
Some discoloration on wheels
Minor rock chips on sides and nose
Light wear on edges of instrument panel
Included
Two keys
Spare tire
Jack
Lug wrench
Radio manual with radio code
Ownership History
The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places this three-owner 1991 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL in California, Louisiana, and Maryland.
The consignor states, “My late father was an auto enthusiast and sold German cars at a local Mercedes Benz dealer in Metairie, Louisiana. Having been of Italian heritage, he saw a rare opportunity to buy this Mercedes from the estate of Joseph Barbera, one of the creators of the Hanna-Barbera Studios in Hollywood, California. In 2012, he and my mother flew to Los Angeles, bought this car from the Barbera estate, and drove cross-country to south Louisiana, where the car stayed until March 2024. After my father passed away in late 2023, and my inheritance of it, my husband drove it to Maryland in spring 2024, where it is currently garaged. The vehicle is in immaculate condition, all original equipment works, and it has four new Goodyear tires. It has never been smoked in and never had any pets in it. I have a free and clear title in my name.”
