I recently purchased a 1989 420SEL with 150,000 km, dark gray on light gray.

Other than minor wear on the front seats and armrest, the car is in great shape. And so far, it has exceeded expectations, especially in handling and its performance on the highway.

At highway speeds of 100 to 140 km/h (and higher), it can slingshot past other cars. It is definitely faster than my 1994 Cadillac Concours, which on paper has another 100 or so horses under the hood. Its presence on the road can only be described as 'magisterial', in every sense of the word.

I can only fantasize as to what the 560SEL feels like on the open road. Perhaps my next purchase will be a 560SEC (to replace the Cadillac).

All of this is very impressive for a design that saw its first market launch over 27 years ago. Shame on North American manufacturers for never achieving this level of excellence.

Many thanks to the legendary Lou Forli at Forli Motors in Toronto for the excellent service he has provided to date.

Any many thanks to everyone here for providing a range of practical advice.

All I need to do now is decide on a pet name. I am leaning toward 'The Dark Knight', though a friend has suggested 'The Bismarck' or the 'The Battleship Potemkin'.

[Photos to follow.]

Best regards,
Jason