Mercedes-Benz 500SEC

Description

This is a Gray-Market, German model 500SEC imported to USA in the early 1980's. The correct VIN isWDB12604412004129 although EBAY doesn't recognize it because this is a NON-USA market car. I used a VIN from one of my other cars just to get it to allow me to list it. WDB12604412004129 will show up on Auto-Check
• 1983 500SEC• 16" vintage, refinished BBS wheels with new tires• Beautiful dark gray "Anthracite Metallic" paint• Beautiful dark gray "Anthracite Nappa" seats (nearly black)• Runs good, Bosch Fuel Distributor needs tuning or replacement, car runs great with tons of power but hard to start once warm, very common on the W126 V8 models• Rides and handles excellent• Good brakes• Becker Mexico stereo works but should be rebuilt at Becker USA and add the Bluetooth mod for modern connectivity• Interior is in excellent condition, headliner is starting to sag but no rips or tears. One area on driver seat showing wear on piping and one area on the arm rest -see photos
Since I've owned the car besides occasional drives and keeping it covered, I've repaired or replaced the following:
All beltsMotor mountsSpark plugs and cablesIgnition cap and rotorDrivers upper control arm / ball jointRear parking brake shoes and hardware (all brakes pads have tons of life left)Air filterHood padRear center console with ash-traySanded down the center console wood and repaired / fabricated a bracket to hold center console in place (broken tabs)
Car has clean Arizona title, I have begun the registration process in California, which I've discovered that although this car spent the first part (majority) of it's life as a So Cal car, you have to go through the entire importation process all over because since 2002 it was registered at the original owners vacation house in AZ. In order to make this car legal to register in CA you must go through a company like G&K Automotive Conversion in Santa Ana to perform all the current CA requirements to smog system, EGR system, etc. This takes 2-3 months and will cost around $7000 which I have decided that, although these cars are going up in value like their convertible cousins it is simply too much to invest on my end. I've enjoyed driving it, and want a Mercedes aficionado who knows and appreciates these cars to be the next care-taker.
Check with local state laws regarding gray market imports, in many states, if a car is over 20 years old there is no issue, but CA is probably the strictest in the nation regarding importing vehicles from other countries and the smog stuff. It's got to be 1966 or older to be exempt which is ridiculous. This car DOES have the Federal stamped plate on the B-pillar so in most other states you can simply take it to your local DMV and get it registered with no issues at all.