Lot Ended
Description
Formerly
owned by Michael Caine; B703 KJM; 4,973cc V8 Automatic; W126; 126,423 miles
currently showing on the speedometer; driven to site over 25
miles
Particularly interesting example of
Mercedes-Benz's flagship W126, this 1985 500 SEL is accompanied by exceptionally
interesting provenance linking it to legendary British actor Michael
Caine.
Currently displaying 126,423 miles, this
imposing Mercedes-Benz is powered by the 4.9-litre V8 engine coupled to an
automatic transmission and represents the ultimate expression of the marque's
executive saloon of its era. The W126 has long been regarded as one of
Mercedes-Benz's finest and most enduring designs, combining exceptional build
quality, effortless performance and genuine long-distance
comfort.
What makes this particular example
especially noteworthy is its documented connection with Michael Caine.
Crucially, the extensive history file includes a bill of sale from Michael
Caine's daughter, Natasha Caine, to the subsequent owner when the car was sold,
providing particularly compelling documentary evidence of the car's celebrity
provenance.
The accompanying history file also
includes the car's old-style log book, current V5C, 18 old MOT certificates,
eight service stamps and a quantity of invoices, providing a useful record of
the car's history over the years.
Independent
research has uncovered a fascinating contemporary account which further
corroborates the story. In around April 2001, Michael Caine's Mercedes-Benz 500
SEL was sold by his son-in-law, Tim Scott, and daughter Natasha Caine to Roger
Harris and his friend Chris Hillyard. Harris subsequently recalled that the car
had been specially modified for Caine, including tables fitted in the rear and a
distinctive paint finish specified by the actor himself. At the time of the
sale, Caine was away filming The Quiet American in Vietnam.
The Mercedes originally carried a relatively nondescript B-prefix
registration. Following his purchase of the car, Harris subsequently acquired
the highly appropriate registration 2 ULU and transferred it onto the Mercedes,
a reference to Caine's famous role in Zulu. The registration remained with
Harris and Hillyard after the Mercedes was eventually sold
on.
The car offered here retains its registration
B703 KJM, with chassis number WDB1260372A154279, identifying it as a
Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL. The combination of the surviving paperwork, including the
bill of sale from Natasha Caine, and the independent historical account makes
this an unusually well-documented celebrity-owned
Mercedes-Benz.
Beyond its fascinating provenance,
the 500 SEL is increasingly collectible in its own right. The W126's combination
of traditional Mercedes-Benz engineering, superb V8 performance and exceptional
build quality has ensured its place among the most desirable Mercedes-Benz
models of the 1980s.
Offered with its substantial
history file, including the bill of sale from Michael Caine's daughter,
old-style log book, V5C, 18 old MOT certificates, eight service stamps and
supporting invoices, this represents a rare opportunity to acquire a
Mercedes-Benz with both genuine historical interest and an extraordinary
connection to one of Britain's most famous actors.
A fascinating 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL with 126,423 miles showing
and compelling documentary evidence of former ownership by Michael Caine — a
truly unusual modern classic with a story to match.
Contact james.booth@brightwells.com