Here we have a very sad W126 Mercedes-Benz 280 S painted in chery red, seen abandoned on a car parts market in Beijing. The wheel covers indicate this was originally an American-spec car, but the head lights are European. Bit of a mess! The W126 was made from 1979 until 1992.

The 280 S was produced from 1979 until 1985, it was the cheapest W126 available. Power came from a 2.8 liter straight-six, good for 154hp and 233nm. This particular red example is beyond salvation but fortunately we have seen some other working W126’s around: US-spec 560 SEL, sporty 560 SEL, S280, really stretched, 500 SEL, 300SE, and another abandoned.

Red paintjob and fake ‘88888’ license plate, 8 is a lucky number in China, indicate this Benz has been used as a wedding car. Poor car…