Mercedes-Benz never sold an S-Class wagon but that doesn’t mean there was a lack of buyers willing to pay good money to own one.
Since the Stuttgart-based luxury carmaker couldn’t fulfill their desires, these affluent customers had to take their money elsewhere. One destination was Hamburg-based Caro International, a company that specializes in coachbuilding, customized interiors, stretched limousines and armored vehicles.
Caro welcomed the challenge of building a 560 TEL estate (the ‘T’ came from the ‘T-Modell’ designation for Mercedes wagons) and executed the conversion using Mercedes-Benz factory standards and parts. The rear end is styled to resemble the S124-generation wagon, which is also the donor for the taillights and possibly the rear screen.
Watch: 1991 Mercedes 560 SEL Is Still An Impressively Comfortable Cruiser
As the name suggests, the 560 TEL is based on a W126-chassis Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL long-wheelbase luxury sedan, powered by the all-aluminum 5.6-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine. The top engine of the W126 S-Class generated up to 279 PS (275 HP) and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque, sent to the rear wheels by a four-speed automatic transmission.
This conversion, currently up for sale at NYC-based Stuart Parr Collection, is finished in a pearl black metallic paint and has a black leather interior with velour carpeting.
Described by the seller as “the ultimate in sophistication as a coachbuilt estate wagon,” the 560 TEL is a European specification model, which means it has short bumpers instead of the hideous long bumpers found on North American-spec models. It also features the more elegant headlamps with a glass cover.
The one-of-a-kind luxury wagon has covered 103,000 km (64,000 miles) from new and appears to be in great condition inside and out. As with most cars that cost a lot of money, the price is not listed. Still, you can contact the seller if you’re curious and brave enough.