Mercedes-Benz W126 560 SEC
Description
Although our restoration work on classic Mercedes-Benz models is world-renowned, our team and workshops also have the knowledge, equipment, and passion to maintain contemporary models whose desirability continues to grow. The Mercedes W126 range, already a classic in many eyes, is a chassis that combines bulletproof reliability and build quality with comfort and ease of drive.
This beautiful 560 SEC arrived with us in very fair condition, but the enthusiast owner wanted to return the car to its ‘showroom fresh’ appearance. As with all major projects, we began with a detailed inspection covering both mechanical and bodywork aspects, providing a comprehensive report on the car’s condition. This allows us to work closely with owners, prioritising investment based on essentials and personal preference.
In this case, the 560’s condition was already very good, with little required mechanically beyond basic maintenance. The bodywork, mostly rust-free, became the primary focus, with a full exterior respray commissioned.
We began with a detailed disassembly of the car, documenting all removed parts and compiling a parts list of both essential and ‘nice to have’ replacements. This gives the owner full transparency over project costs, allowing spending to be prioritised and controlled. With the W126, Mercedes had entered an era where plastic trim clips and brackets became common. Over time, these become brittle and often break during removal. We always recommend replacing all trim clips on a project of this scale, ensuring smooth reassembly and preventing rattles or loose components later on.
Once stripped down, any small areas of rust, dents, scratches, or previous repairs were attended to before preparing the car for primer and, ultimately, paint. Our team are experts in achieving the finest ‘glass-like’ finish, and this careful paint preparation can take hundreds of hours depending on the car’s condition. After precise panel gapping, all panels are removed so the shuts and hinges can be painted alongside the bodywork.
The W126 models wear the iconic two-tone matte lower-half paint on the Sacco panels and bumpers. Using only Mercedes-Benz–approved paint products, we perfectly colour-match this non-gloss finish, while our sterile, state-of-the-art ovens ensure the highest quality results. The Sacco panels, which cover the lower sides of the car, are prone to stress cracks and bonding issues, so each was carefully inspected before paintwork began.
After painting, the gloss DB199 bodywork required several days of careful polishing to remove the infamous ‘orange peel’ from the lacquer surface and leave a flawless show finish.
While the body restoration was underway, our parts team sourced new door and weather rubbers, new badges, and a rare new-old-stock front bumper chrome, as the original had sustained previous damage. It was also agreed that the interior woodwork would be completely re-veneered and restored to its original glory. This is a common issue on W126 models, as UV light often fades and damages the veneers over time, compounded by scratches on high-use areas like the centre console.
Once the bodywork was carefully refitted, the team completed a major service to ensure the car was mechanically sound following its restoration. Several minor mechanical issues were also resolved to keep this W126 running perfectly. The car was then treated to a full detail and ceramic coating prior to handover, with the rare original Lorinser centre caps hand-polished to a brilliant finish.
