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Mercedes 560SELW126 560SELclassic S-ClassMercedes V8

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Hello. The car we are enjoying in today’s Legendary Moment is:

Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL

Then as now, the S-Class was regarded as the standard for large sedans. The 2018 facelift revived “560,” a number last seen on this car, seeking to recapture past glory. Discontinued roughly thirty years earlier, the W126 560 SEL had been Mercedes' top model at a time when it did not build production cars with twelve-cylinder engines. The SEL range began official imports into Korea with the 300SEL; the later 560SEL cost far more than a Seoul apartment, making an owner's wealth unmistakable. If you haven't seen the video review, take a look.

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Like today's models, Mercedes of this era shared a “large, medium, small” family look that made identification difficult for a casual observer. Up close, however, the W126 560SEL was grander and more imposing than expected.

Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL — archive photograph 6.1
© 주보균 / LEGENDARY · Original archive photograph

Its slight fold along the central vertical line makes it look ready to push through anything.

Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL — archive photograph 8.1
© 주보균 / LEGENDARY · Original archive photograph

Width and length alone cannot make a car the benchmark of its segment.

Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL — archive photograph 10.1
© 주보균 / LEGENDARY · Original archive photograph

The headlights and the side mirrors flowing directly from the body are striking.

Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL — archive photograph 12.1
© 주보균 / LEGENDARY · Original archive photograph

At a glance, though, you can also see the faces of the W201 and W123/124.

Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL — archive photograph 14.1
© 주보균 / LEGENDARY · Original archive photograph

Glass headlamp covers are a detail absent from today's cars.

Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL — archive photograph 16.1
© 주보균 / LEGENDARY · Original archive photograph
Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL — archive photograph 17.1
© 주보균 / LEGENDARY · Original archive photograph

People who have never ridden in an S-Class, including this one, may be skeptical. Give them a chance to drive or sit in the place of honor, and they change their tune: “It isn't my taste, but…”

Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL — archive photograph 19.1
© 주보균 / LEGENDARY · Original archive photograph

The uncluttered rear, its Mercedes emblem much larger than the front's three-pointed star, and the 560SEL badge say more than a long explanation could.

Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL — archive photograph 21.1
© 주보균 / LEGENDARY · Original archive photograph

“560”: a number Mercedes enthusiasts welcome.

Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL — archive photograph 23.1
© 주보균 / LEGENDARY · Original archive photograph

Even this straight-edged Mercedes looks different from every angle. You can feel the distinctions between model classes in the design of the era.

Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL — archive photograph 25.1
© 주보균 / LEGENDARY · Original archive photograph

We cannot discuss the exterior without these wheels: an essential pairing for a classic Mercedes.

Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL — archive photograph 27.1
© 주보균 / LEGENDARY · Original archive photograph

Doesn't this remind you of the early W222's steering wheel?

Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL — archive photograph 29.1
© 주보균 / LEGENDARY · Original archive photograph

The interior may look somewhat rough, but most contemporary cars had lesser finishes and design.

Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL — archive photograph 31.1
© 주보균 / LEGENDARY · Original archive photograph
Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL — archive photograph 32.1
© 주보균 / LEGENDARY · Original archive photograph

You won't find nostalgic period fixtures such as a window crank or manually adjusted side mirrors here.

Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL — archive photograph 34.1
© 주보균 / LEGENDARY · Original archive photograph

Older cars seem better at making the seat belts visually prominent.

Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL — archive photograph 36.1
© 주보균 / LEGENDARY · Original archive photograph

Very little sagging or cracking: remarkable condition for its age, with a pleasing feel to the touch.

Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL — archive photograph 38.1
© 주보균 / LEGENDARY · Original archive photograph

The V8 engine and four-speed automatic belie its age. This car is neither slow nor sluggish.

Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL — archive photograph 40.1
© 주보균 / LEGENDARY · Original archive photograph

Now for the highlight: let's finish by looking at the place of honor in the rear.

Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL — archive photograph 42.1
© 주보균 / LEGENDARY · Original archive photograph

Can you sense from this photograph how consistently Mercedes has maintained its interior layout over the years?

Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL — archive photograph 44.1
© 주보균 / LEGENDARY · Original archive photograph

The power-adjustable rear seat feels like a sofa lifted straight from a wealthy household of the past. Getting out and returning to my own car made me wonder what life would be like with a chauffeur every day.

Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL — archive photograph 46.1
© 주보균 / LEGENDARY · Original archive photograph

Perhaps the longing for something we have dreamed of, even if it isn't ours, is what drives us through life.

The same goes for a dream car, doesn’t it? We will be here until your dream car appears on LEGENDARY100. Thank you.

Photos and words: 주보균 (http://instagram.com/nonameblanka)

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Photos and words: 주보균 (http://instagram.com/nonameblanka)

LEGENDARY YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/dayone82

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