a convertible 500SEC from 1985
 

Hi all:

Is this a custom made convertible or was Mercedes mass manufacturing these?
ebay item number: 270024004390
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270024004390&fromMakeTrack=true

Greg

as far as i know the w126 was never a convertible...probably a custom job.

that looks like a cheapo chop job. the factory never offered a conv sec that i know of. note there is no picture with the top up. it appears to me they simply hacked off the roof and put a toneau cover over the back area to cover the chopped areas. the roof has no glass in it because there is nothing on the bottom to hold it in place.

it is meant to be a removalbe hard top like an sl. but it is a mess and doesnt work. note the rear glass missing. the big gaskets at the front edge of the "removable hardtop".

it would be usable only as a convertible without a top...ever. the structural integrity of the car is severly compromised as well and by the looks of the top chop i wouldnt count on any reinforcing of the lower part of the chassis.

it it ran well i would considering buying it for the parts. but only after a personal inspection.

imho

tom w

Mercedes never made a W126 convertible, but some coupes had the top chopped off.

This example could be a less than professional job, also.

Even the better ones like the Styling Garage in Bremen had trouble with structural integrity and flex, so these efforts usually gave more trouble than they were worth.

I'm also of the mind that these were styling abominations too, the C pillar is one of the best things the SEC coupes have going for them.

As Tom said, buy it to part it out if you must have it, then break it for the parts.