Mercedes-Benz 420 SEC: An Uncle’s Legacy and the Road to Stuttgart
The Mercedes-Benz 420 SEC is more than just a car to me – it’s a story of love for cars, family, and tradition. This stylish 1989 coupe, officially painted Diamond Blue, is my gentleman’s ride, more than just a four-wheeled vehicle.
It all began with my uncle Jussi’s influence. He was a true car enthusiast whose passion for machines — especially German quality — rubbed off on me from a young age. Jussi brought this Mercedes himself from Sweden as his summer car — the dream car he proudly drove on Finnish summer roads.
Between 2019 and 2023, I undertook a major project: to restore this era’s gem to its former glory. I painstakingly restored the car piece by piece, with loving care. This was more than a car project — it was a way to honor Jussi’s memory.
In 2024, my work was rewarded when the car was museum-registered. It was not only an official recognition of the car’s historical value but also a sign that Jussi’s legacy lives on.
Last summer, my friend and I experienced a true classic car enthusiast’s dream trip. We drove from Finland to Stuttgart — me in my Mercedes and my friend in his Porsche. We visited both the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums, each in our respective brand’s sanctuary. The trip was a tribute to German automotive engineering and proof that a carefully restored classic can still be a reliable travel companion.
Especially meaningful are summer evenings driving the SEC along the beautiful Pulkkilanharju ridge, windows down, soaking in the 1980s atmosphere. It almost feels like being Don Johnson in “Miami Vice,” with the wind blowing through your hair. The car turns heads and brings nostalgic smiles from both younger and older passersby.
This Mercedes is not just a valuable collector’s piece to me. It is a living memory of my uncle, who taught me that cars are not just transportation — they are part of our life story. Every kilometer driven in this car is a tribute to Jussi and his passion for automobiles.
When an exhibition with an 1980s theme seeks authentic gems from the era, what could be more fitting than this coupe?