“Its effect is almost druglike, and anyone who appreciates fine automobiles will want one fix after another.”— Car and Driver , July, 1987 Introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, 1979, the new W126 S-class was a quantifiable improvement over its W116 predecessor.

Lauded by the contemporary motoring press as the “best car in the world,” it was lighter than its forebear and offered an improved ride and sharper handling.

Styled by Bruno Sacco, its sleek silhouette hid all-round independent suspension, disc brakes, power-assisted steering and a range of powerful all-alloy V8 engines (later supplemented by more fuel-efficient straight-sixes).

Beloved by heads of state, captains of industry and celebrities alike, the W126 remains sought-after to this day thanks to its impeccable build quality and timeless lines.

The 500 SEL was the range-topping example until the introduction of the 560 SEL in 1985.

The V8-engined 500 had double timing chains, proving much more reliable tha...