1983 Mercedes-Benz 380 SEC Coupe

With the W126 S-Class, Mercedes-Benz set out to build the best luxury car in the world and - for the duration of the 1980s - admirably succeeded in this aim. The W126 model employed a new range of light alloy V8 engines and a more aerodynamic shape (with a class leading 0.36cd) to significantly improve fuel consumption. A number of innovative safety systems, including ABS and SRS airbags, were also introduced for the first time. Right from the outset, a coupe version of the W126 was envisaged and the elegant SEC featured distinctive pillarless styling with more sharply raked front and rear windscreens, unique front-end styling and a shorter wheelbase. Inside, the SEC retained all the luxury features of the sedans, including electric seats with unique multi-directional controls, climate control, power windows and central locking, along with some fittings unique to the coupe, such as new front seats, individually contoured rear seats, velour trim (leather was optional) and a retracting seat-belt arm. Initially available in two versions, the 380SEC and 500SEC, each of which employed a single-overhead cam V8 engine with Bosch electronic fuel injection and four-speed automatic transmission to give effortless performance. The bespoke SEC was produced in limited numbers and was considerably more expensive than the sedan but these superlative German super coupes have never been more affordable and can only appreciate in the future.