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It's got bullet proof glass like the W140's on Craigslist

alabbasi

Mercedes Flopper
Member
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/168171282351?

https://www.cazoo.co.uk/cars-for-sale/77607193/

This Lot will be sold at auction at Symphony of Spring; Ascot Racecourse on Saturday 7th March. ArmouredA great car for those who are safety consciousThe Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL Armoured stands as a unique blend of luxury, performance, and protection. Based on the flagship Mercedes-Benz W126 series, this armoured variant was designed for high-ranking officials, dignitaries, and individuals seeking maximum security without compromising comfort. Externally, it retained the elegant, understated lines of the W126 saloon, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz design in the 1980s, while its reinforced body panels and bullet-resistant glass provided a formidable defensive shell. The vehicle was powered by a robust 5.0-litre V8 engine, offering smooth yet powerful acceleration capable of handling the extra weight of the armour. Suspensions were reinforced to support the additional mass, and braking systems were upgraded for safe, responsive stopping. Inside, the 500 SEL Armoured did not sacrifice luxury for safety: plush velour seats, extensive wood trim, and advanced climate control created an environment of opulence, while armoured doors, run-flat tyres, and specialised communications systems ensured operational security. This armoured Mercedes also included discreet modifications such as reinforced floor panels, fire-resistant materials, and advanced locking mechanisms, making it suitable for hostile situations without drawing attention. In many ways, the 500 SEL Armoured exemplified the Cold War-era philosophy of combining subtle elegance with military-grade protection.This left hand drive 500 SEL presents well in white with blue velour trim. We are advised this Mercedes-Benz runs well, although it must be remembered the armour protection adds around a ton in weight meaning, this is slower than its standard compatriots. These W126 saloons are very graceful and offer comfort and legroom in abundance, hence why they were so popular as chauffeur driven cars. It is supplied with a V5 registration document and a current MoT test certificate valid until 11th May 2026. Today, these vehicles are rare collectors items, valued not only for their historical significance but also for their remarkable engineering, representing a time when luxury and personal security converged seamlessly in the automotive world. Consigned by Stewart Banks

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The additional protection adds a ton to the weight of the vehicle
Which why the Vmax is limited to 180kph by German regulators on these 'ships', as the tyres cannot be driven at higher speeds than that because of the weight.
And the armoured version usually got the rear diff with a 3.07:1 or even 3.46:1 ratio, in order to make the ride less 'sluggish' - coming from the original 2.24:1 on the M117.963 after 09/1981.
The car on the ad has a cluster from a 500-version between end of 1979 and mid 1981 (M117.961 with 2.82:1 ratio), but its gear selector with the B-position (and D/3/2 arrangement - previous one had D/S/L, and no 'B') shows it must be newer.
 
That a Euro 500 correct? Which has probably 300HP. I don’t think the US version w/ a paltry 180HP could lug that beast around. With the price of gas/petrol today it would be an expensive grocery getter. It was good in it’s day but destined for a museum.
 
ROW 500SEL had 240hp, the 560SEL had up to 300HP. It would make sense that it went to Iraq, being white , it was likely privately owned (the black ones were government cars). Velour was popular there, my mother had a Toyota Crown back in the 80's in the same color scheme.
 
I don’t think the US version w/ a paltry 180HP could lug that beast around
I agree here too, about having extra work to do with 184bhp US/8:1 compression ratio.. BUT, this car has an specific order-code (474), that makes it able to use bad quality fuel.. I think power-wise it wouldn't have much more than 200-210PS/HP (thus it most likely lacks catalytic converters, which US-version did have


(474) ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) AND LOW-COMPRESSION ENGINE


ROW 500SEL had 240hp, the 560SEL had up to 300HP.
Yes, you are right.. before 09/1985 there were two versions of M117 E50:
09/1979 - 08/1981 (M117.961) with 240PS/235bhp and compression ratio 8.8:1 (peak torque was 405Nm at 3,750 rpm)
08/1981 - 08/1985 (M117.963) with 231PS/227bhp and compression 9.1:1 (different camshafts, same peak torque but gotten at 3,000 rpm)

Alberto
 

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I'm just looking at the above post's armoured W126 on the seller's website and wondered if these 2 features were non-standard for an SEL and part of the GUARD spec.?

Is the yellow circle a hand lumbar pump?

The red one definitely looks like an 80s James Bond gadget...

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Those are some wild wheels and (NLA) tires:

" The tyres are Continental CTS-1, developed for DM200m, and discontinued in 1989, after MB decided not to fit them to the R129 SL. They were too heavy and too expensive. AFAIK, they are not available anymore, and the examples fitted to the car are probably older than 25 years. "

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