Mercedes is reintroducing the S-Class Coupe, and this 560SEC serves as a reminder of why it deserves to return. | Carscoops

      A 1990 Mercedes 560SEC with only 15,000 miles on the odometer is now available for purchase.

      The C126 coupe is equipped with a 5.5-liter M117 V8 engine that produces 238 hp and 287 lb-ft of torque.

      Currently, Mercedes is developing new-generation two-door S-Class and Maybach coupes.

      Recently, we shared spy photos indicating that Mercedes is planning to reintroduce the S-Class coupe and is also looking to offer a Maybach variant. These upcoming models will serve as successors to the C217 series coupes that were discontinued in 2021, but we believe that Mercedes should embrace the essence of the iconic 1980s C126 series.

      Launched in 1981, two years following the introduction of the conventional S-Class sedan, and remaining in production for a decade, the stylish and commanding SEC achieved over 74,000 sales. While Mercedes sold ten times as many S sedans, production numbers for the coupes were sufficient to ensure many remain, although few will be preserved as well as this one.

      This 1990 560SEC is currently available on the Bring a Trailer auction site, positioning it close to the end of production and at the top of the model range. The 5.5-liter M117 V8 was designed to comply with US emission regulations, resulting in a relatively modest output of 238 hp (241 PS), compared to the 295 hp (299 PS) produced in its un-catalyzed European variant. Nevertheless, with 287 lb-ft (389 Nm) of torque, it was still robust for its time; contemporary road tests in America reported a 0-60 mph time of 7 seconds and a top speed of 145 mph (233 km/h).

      What distinguishes this vehicle from other SECs is not its engine but the remarkably low mileage it has accumulated. The odometer indicates that this sleek black coupe has traveled just 15,473 miles (24,900 km) since new, and the listing notes that it was in storage from 2007 to 2024 before being acquired by the selling dealer.

      This mileage is what many of these executive cars typically accumulate in just a year or two. The photos suggest it could easily be mistaken for a vehicle that has just celebrated its first anniversary instead of its 35th. While the seller mentions some aging on the brightwork and signs of prior paintwork on the right rear quarter, the overall appearance is excellent, and the black over gray color scheme is quite elegant.

      It seems others share this opinion; as of this writing, with six days remaining in the auction, bids for this classic Mercedes have already reached $35,000—an amount that could also buy a nice 2017 S550 coupe—and is expected to increase significantly.