Came across this, thought I'd share


https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az21/arizona/lots/r0088-1990-mercedes-benz-560-tel-estate-by-caro/1020291

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Old Blue - 83 240D 6 speed manual trans, OM648
Green Machine - 2001 Europa G500
87 300SDL Bought on Peachparts. Low-ish miles..?

Family Truckster - 2012 VW Touareg TDI

Patchouli Wagon - 2004 E500 - SOLD
333k mile 97 BMW 750il V12. - SOLD
The Californian - 85 300TD - SOLD
Daily Super Sedan - 03 Audi S8 -SOLD

I’d like to see where the gas tank is located.

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Past mb: '73 450sl, '81 280slc stick, '71 250, '72 250c, '70 250c, '79 280sl, '73 450sl, parted: '75 240d stick, '69 280s, '73 450slc, '72 450sl,

I studied the concept of converting S classes to wagons before and believe that I determined that the s123 is the best match for a W126, and the s124 is a better match for the w140. I can’t recall which tail lights this one has, but would be interested to know. The description makes it seem like they wanted to do this one with s124 parts, but couldn’t do it all that way.

“Notwithstanding performance-oriented tuners such as AMG, Brabus, Carlsson, and Schulz, the well-heeled Mercedes enthusiast of the late 1980s was spoiled for choice when considering further customization. Quite simply, the niche coachbuilding market had seen a resurgence of companies across continental Europe, all bolstered by a booming global economy. Companies like Carat Duchatelet, Zender, Trasco, Styling Garage, ABC, Pollmann, and Sbarro lavished the OEM Mercedes-Benz Catalog with packages of untold extravagance; engine swaps, armoring, body style conversions, exotic interiors: No request was too wild for these coachbuilders during the “decade of excess.”

The Hamburg-based coachbuilding outfit Caro International GmBH is, unlike many similar companies from this era, still in business. Their period builds were unrivaled for their fit, finish, and utilization of OEM parts over complete in-house fabrication. This 560 TEL conversion offered here offers a fitting testimony to Caro’s reputation.

This Pearl Black metallic over black leather estate conversion started life as a home-market 560 SEL and was delivered to Caro’s Hamburg facilities when new in May 1990. As expected, Caro executed this conversion with the utmost level of creativity; shrewdly, the taillights and rear deck are sourced from the contemporary W124 wagon, with minor modifications of superb quality made to ensure fitment. The revised cargo area is similarly outfitted with an amalgam of components from the W124 wagon with revisions from Caro’s coachbuilding staff.

Interestingly, Caro could not utilize the W124’s rear trio of windows—as such, each of the 560 TEL’s rear windows are custom. Essentially scaled-up version of the W124 units, they cleverly mimic an OEM finish. The roofline, C-pillars, and rear quarter panels were all carefully revised to maintain the SEL’s proper geometry and styling when surmounted by the new rear deck. Factoring in the cost of a brand new 560 limousine and the cost of the estate conversion, this 560 TEL featured an out-the-door sticker price of over DM 337,000 when complete.

All told, this unique and coachbuilt 560 TEL by Caro is not likely to be replicated in the marketplace anytime soon.”

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Past mb: '73 450sl, '81 280slc stick, '71 250, '72 250c, '70 250c, '79 280sl, '73 450sl, parted: '75 240d stick, '69 280s, '73 450slc, '72 450sl,

I love wagons, but I'm not a fan of this hodge-podge creation. You can see it utilized quiet a bit of S123 and S124 parts. The pictures focuses a lot on the front seats, but not much can be said about the backseat. This is where the engineering had to be done. I wonder how they utilized the W126 rear bench in a wagon fold-down style. The roof rails could have been done better, especially for the money it took for the conversion. Even with that said, there's a good chance the wagon will bring in more than the estimate its listed at.

They also have a C126 convertible, which in my opinion, if not done by one of the known period German tuner companies would heavily detract the value of the car. I've not seen a true convertible conversion on a C126 that was done in an appealing way.

Interesting for sure. The rear quarter panel fittment makes the rearend looks like it’s sagging, but very unique piece.

Looks good.

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Jim