1986 Texas Coach Company 500SEL 500.0L
Overview
The 1986 Texas Coach Company 500SEL represents a unique chapter in the history of American luxury vehicle modifications. During the 1980s, the Texas Coach Company gained recognition for taking the Mercedes-Benz W126 chassis—widely regarded as the gold standard for executive sedans of the era—and applying bespoke interior and exterior enhancements. These vehicles were marketed toward high-net-worth individuals who desired the mechanical integrity of German engineering paired with custom, handcrafted American luxury appointments.
The 500SEL platform utilized the robust M117 V8 engine, which provided the necessary power to move the heavy, reinforced chassis with authority. Texas Coach Company focused on elevating the cabin environment, often incorporating premium leathers, exotic wood veneers, and advanced (for the time) mobile communication systems. While the mechanical core remained largely faithful to the original Mercedes-Benz specifications, the modifications were extensive enough to warrant the company’s own branding. Today, these vehicles are viewed as artifacts of a specific era of coachbuilding, where the focus was on individualization and prestige within the executive sedan market.
| Vehicle Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Texas Coach Company |
| Model | 500SEL |
| Model Year | 1986 |
| Generation | W126 |
| Trim | Base |
| Body Style | 4-door Sedan |
| Vehicle Segment | Full-size Luxury |
| Vehicle Class | Midsize Cars |
| Market | USA |
| Platform | Mercedes-Benz W126 |
| Assembly Plant | Sindelfingen, Germany / Texas, USA |
| Country of Origin | Germany / USA |
| Production Start | 1979 |
| Production End | 1991 |
| VIN Identifier | – |
| Base MSRP | – |
| Destination Charge | – |
| Total MSRP | – |
| Powertrain | |
| Powertrain Type | Internal Combustion |
| Engine Family | Mercedes-Benz M117 |
| Engine Name | M117.963 |
| Engine Code | – |
| Engine Configuration | V8 |
| Displacement | 5.0L |
| Bore x Stroke | 96.5 mm x 85.0 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| Fuel Delivery | Bosch KE-Jetronic |
| Valve Train | SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Engine Block Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Oil Capacity | 8.0 L |
| Oil Specification / Viscosity | 10W-40 |
| Horsepower | 230 hp |
| Torque | 299 lb-ft |
| Redline | 6000 rpm |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Automatic 4-spd |
| Final Drive Ratio | 2.47:1 |
| Axle Ratio | – |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Recommended Octane | 91 |
| EPA City MPG | 11 |
| EPA Highway MPG | 14 |
| EPA Combined MPG | 12 |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | – |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) | 23.8 |
| Estimated Driving Range | – |
| Annual Fuel Cost | – |
| CO₂ Emissions | – |
| Greenhouse Gas Score | – |
| Smog Rating | – |
| Performance | |
| 0-30 mph | – |
| 0-60 mph | 8.2 s |
| 0-100 mph | – |
| Quarter Mile | – |
| Top Speed | 137 mph |
| Braking Distance (60-0 mph) | – |
| Lateral Acceleration | – |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | – |
| Dimensions & Capacities | |
| Length (in) | 202.0 |
| Width (Without Mirrors) (in) | 71.7 |
| Width (With Mirrors) (in) | – |
| Height (in) | 56.5 |
| Wheelbase (in) | 115.6 |
| Front Track (in) | 60.6 |
| Rear Track (in) | 60.2 |
| Ground Clearance (in) | – |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3750 |
| GVWR (lbs) | – |
| Towing Capacity (lbs) | – |
| Payload Capacity (lbs) | – |
| Passenger Volume (cu ft) | – |
| Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft) | 18.0 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft) | – |
| Turning Circle | 39.0 ft |
| Approach Angle | – |
| Departure Angle | – |
| Breakover Angle | – |
| Safety Ratings | |
| NHTSA Overall Rating | – |
| NHTSA Frontal Crash | – |
| NHTSA Side Crash | – |
| NHTSA Rollover | – |
| IIHS Award | – |
| Small Overlap Front | – |
| Moderate Overlap Front | – |
| Side Impact | – |
| Headlights Rating | – |
| Front Crash Prevention | – |
| Technology & Connectivity | |
| Infotainment Display | None |
| Instrument Cluster | Analog |
| Apple CarPlay | No |
| Android Auto | No |
| Navigation System | No |
| Audio System | Becker AM/FM Cassette |
| Speaker Count | 4 |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | No |
| OTA Updates | No |
| Digital Key | No |
| Warranty & Ownership | |
| Basic Warranty | – |
| Powertrain Warranty | – |
| Corrosion Warranty | – |
| Roadside Assistance | – |
| Complimentary Maintenance | – |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | – |
| EV Battery Warranty | – |
| Specs.Autos Exclusive Data | |
| Engine Assembly Plant | Stuttgart, Germany |
| Transmission Supplier | Mercedes-Benz |
| Battery Cell Manufacturer | – |
| Gear Ratios | – |
| Differential Type | Open |
| Cooling System Capacity | 12.0 L |
| Frunk Capacity (cu ft) | – |
| Roof Load Capacity (lbs) | – |
| Safety Recall Count | – |
| Production Volume | – |
| Units Sold in USA | – |
Consumer Insights & Market Appeal
The 1986 Texas Coach Company 500SEL is a specialized collector vehicle that demands a high level of mechanical diligence from its owner. While the underlying Mercedes-Benz W126 platform is renowned for its longevity and build quality, the custom modifications performed by Texas Coach Company—specifically regarding electrical wiring, interior upholstery, and auxiliary systems—can present unique maintenance challenges. Prospective buyers should prioritize a thorough inspection of the vacuum systems, fuel injection components, and any aftermarket electronic additions, as these are common failure points in aging luxury cars of this vintage. In the current market, these vehicles appeal primarily to enthusiasts of 1980s coachbuilding who value the blend of German mechanical reliability and bespoke American luxury, though they generally command a premium based on the condition and provenance of the specific custom work performed.
Related posts:
1986 Texas Coach Company 500SE 500.0L
1992-1993 J.K. Motors MERC BENZ 300SE 3.0L
1992-1995 Mazda 929 929.0L
1987 Mcevoy Motors 740 GLE Sedan 740.0L
1992 Mercedes-Benz 500SE 500.0L
1986-1992 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL 560.0L
1985 Mercury Marquis 5.0L
1994-1996 Rolls-Royce Brooklands and (LWB) 6.8L
1996 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur 6.8L
1995 Rolls-Royce Spirit III 6.8L
1992-1993 Rolls-Royce Turbo R(lwb) 6.8L
1992-1994 Volvo 960 960.0L