Mercedes-Benz W126

The Mercedes-Benz W126 is the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, built by Daimler-Benz as a sedan from 1979 to 1991 and as a coupe, the C126 marketed as the SEC, from 1981 to 1990. It succeeded the W116 range and was introduced at the IAA Frankfurt in September 1979 with three petrol engines, one inline six and two V8s; a diesel followed in September 1981 for the North American market only. Work began in October 1973 with the aims of a better ride, better handling and lower fuel consumption, and a team led by chief designer Bruno Sacco cut drag through wind tunnel testing. The C126 was the first S-Class coupe with fully distinct styling. In twelve years of production 818,066 sedans and 74,060 coupes were built, 892,126 in all, which the source article calls the most successful S-Class generation by volume. The W140 replaced it in 1991.