Introduced for the 1986 model year, the 420SEC was a variant of the C126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe. The 420 SEC was fitted with a 4.2L V8 engine, which sent power to the rear wheels through both manual and automatic transmission options (Although no manual was offered for the 420 SEC in North America). Initially, the 420 SEC's M116.965 V8 engine generated 210bhp (200bhp with catalytic converter), but for the 1988 model year, the unit was uprated to 230bhp (221bhp with catalytic converter). Production of the Mercedes-Benz 420SEC lasted until 1991.