Huge Mercedes S-Class Collection Up for Auction

One of the largest Mercedes S-Class collections in Europe and worldwide will go under the hammer on November 7. The collection includes models from the W116, W126 and W140 generations, as well as the W112 and W108, which did not carry the S-Class name but were predecessors of the famous luxury saloon series. Another distinctive feature of the collection is that many of the cars are finished in rare, vibrant colours.

Photo: Humer & Granner

Finding 80 S-Class models and derivatives from a single collection for sale is a rarity these days. The collection belongs to Hannes Daxecker, an entrepreneur from Feldkirchen, Austria, who fell in love with Mercedes’ luxury saloon when his father owned a W116.

Launched in 1972, the W116 was the first model Mercedes officially designated as an S-Class and remained in production until 1980. It stood out with its two chrome strips, double-wishbone front suspension – an advanced engineering solution even by today’s standards – and Bosch ABS anti-lock braking system.

The W116 was also instantly recognisable by its vertically positioned twin headlights and narrower, taller chrome grille. In addition, Daxecker wanted his cars to stand out through their special colours. Instead of the traditional shades associated with luxury saloons – black, silver or grey – he opted for more distinctive hues.

Highlights include a 1976 Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9 finished in Citrus Green Metallic (code 874), a 1973 350 SE in Byzantine Gold (code 422) and a 1975 280 SE in Icon Gold Metallic (code 419). Daxecker owns every version of the W116 S-Class except the 280 S. His collection therefore includes the 280 SE/SEL, 350 SE/SEL, 450 SE/SEL and 450 SEL 6.9.

He also owns a 1978 Mercedes 280 SEL finished in Classic White (code 737), of which only 7,032 examples were produced. The car previously belonged to German public broadcaster ZDF.

Moving on to the next generation, the W126, Daxecker also owns several examples in special colours. One particularly eye-catching car is a 1981 Mercedes 280 SE W126 finished in Apricot Orange (code 482). Another early W126 model is a 1983 Mercedes 380 SEC painted in Blue Green Metallic (code 877).

Staying with the coupés, other highlights include an elegant 1982 Mercedes 500 SEC finished in Silver Blue Metallic (code 930) and a 1986 560 SEC in Smoke Silver Metallic (code 702).

The Special S-Class Collection auction, featuring 83 cars, is organised by auction house Humer & Granner and will take place on November 7, 2026, in Feldkirchen an der Donau, Austria. The auction starts at 2 p.m., and the cars will be available for viewing from Thursday through Saturday, November 5–7.

Bids can be submitted online, in writing, by telephone or in person at the auction venue.