1. IN BRIEF

1995 Mercedes E320 SPORTLINE CONVERTIBLE

Mileage: 30,719

Engine: 3199

Colour: Metallic Black

Body: Convertible

Fuel: Petrol

Transmission: Automatic

Year: 1995

Registration: M38PKM

2. SPECIFICATION

This immaculate low mileage E320 Sportline example has just arrived with finished in Metallic Black with Champagne Quartz leather seating and Sportline 8 Holelight alloy wheels. This is one of only 557 E320 cabriolets officially imported to the UK, and is even rarer than that statistic suggests by being one of the very few to be specified with the desirable Sportline option, comprising lowered and uprated springs, uprated dampers, roll bars and bushes, wider wheels and tyres, higher geared steering rack and special badging. It is also equipped with a very high options list including heated seats, front armrest, headlight wash and much more. 3 keepers in total with both keys and a full hand book set make this a very special example.

3. MODEL HISTORY

The Mercedes W124 is legendary for its bulletproof engineering, bank-vault construction and no-nonsense reliability: the cars might not be especially sporting or economical to drive but they will plod along quite happily on the merest sniff of an oily rag once a year.

But, that staid exterior hides a surprisingly sophisticated chassis: the entire W124 range is far more aerodynamic than its shape would have you believe and the multilink rear suspension is reliable, refined and gives a very good ride and far better handling than you might imagine.

The 217bhp inline-six petrol engine we are looking at in this fabulous cabriolet is reliable, powerful, and refined, and while it’s true that the five-speed automatic gearbox does rather take the edge off the car’s performance (0-62mph in 8.3 seconds), this example is the perfect way to indulge your inner petrolhead without having to worry unnecessarily about speed cameras and half-hidden ‘road safety partnership’ vans.

And, with its heated seats, powerful air-conditioning and one of the best folding roofs in the business, this could be the most versatile (semi-)sportscar you’ll ever own.

4. INTERIOR

Luxury and opulence in abundance, a cabin space that was, and in many ways still is, hugely ahead of its time. Features such as electrically adjustable head restraint height to compliment the electric front seats as well as the automatic seat belt feeders hint towards the ‘over engineering’ of the Mercedes-Benz W124. The contoured seats trimmed in original Champagne Onyx Leather are ergonomically designed for optimum comfort with lateral support and seat-suspension designed to harmonise with the vehicles actual suspension. The upholstery with matching doors cards is in exceptional order and spotlessly clean, and the pristine carpets have been protected from new by Mercedes tailored floor mats, although the rear items are now missing. All technological advancements and functions housed in the highest quality fascia operate seamlessly. An outstanding classic Mercedes-Benz interior, the epitome of Mercedes Benz craftsmanship.

5. EXTERIOR

The sophisticated sleek lines of this W124 Mercedes-Benz cabriolet are breathtakingly elegant and this E320 Sportline example is a fantastic testament to this design classic. Finished in original Black Metallic the paintwork boasts an impeccable bright polished shine and uniform finish. The factory panels are pin straight and free from damage. All trims sections, mouldings and Sportline badges are intact. The electro-hydraulic roof operation is seamless and the hood fabric remains pristine. Ever pioneering, Mercedes eliminated the traditional roll over bar in favour of automatic rollover protection which also double as electrically operated rear head restraints. A prime example synonymous with exceptional Mercedes-Benz build quality.