Pre-bids

1998 Mercedes-Benz W140 S320

Highlights

  • Commissioned and owned by ex-President of Malawi 
  • Elevated specification S320 with S600 interior 
  • Very well maintained with lots of recent work 
  • Recent timing chains, tensioners, servicing, discs/pads, mounts and all fluids 
  • MOT to November 2025 
  • Slightly lowered and sits on S55 Monoblocks 

The Appeal 

If you needed any further proof that Mercedes-Benz’ W140 was built to exacting standards to suit the most elevated in world society, then here it is. This beautifully preserved S320 LWB was specially built for Dr Bakili Muluzi, who was President of Malawi between 1994 and 2004. 
Even for a very expensive car known for its bespoke specifications, it is a genuine one-off. The factory specification includes a S600 two-tone grey leather interior, ultra rare walnut B post and ash tray trims, a champagne chiller - but of course - and Bose surround sound. When you’re a busy President, clearly you need to relax when the situation allows. 
The car is now correctly UK registered and in superb condition. The history file is similarly impressive with a long list of recent work including regular changes of all fluids plus new brake discs and pads all round and timing chain and tensioner replacement. The current keeper has improved the stance a little from the sedate style favoured by Dr Muluzi by lowering it slightly and adding S55 Monoblocks. It definitely adds to the appeal as the photographs show. 
Freshly serviced and equipped with a long MOT to November 2025, this is a chance to take your executive motoring to Presidential levels. 

The History and Paperwork

  • First registered in 1998 
  • We are told the car was ordered new in the UK to UK specification 
  • Exported to Malawi soon after registration in 1998 
  • Commissioned and first owned by Dr Bakili Muluzi, President of Malawi 1994 to 2004 
  • First registered in the UK in June 2006 after he left power 
  • He used the car when he was resident in London, where we are told he still lives
  • Bespoke factory specification with highlights summarised below and shown in photos 
  • Five registered keepers 
  • Current keeper since July 2023
  • Original Malawi registration documents in Dr Muluzi’s name 
  • Correspondence between DVLA and Malawi High Commission, London 
  • Recent oil and filter change prior to sale 
  • MOT to 8th November 2025 with one minor advisories and 113,121 miles on test 
  • Recent maintenance summarised below 

The Condition

  • Dark grey metallic paintwork with lighter grey ‘Sacco planks’ on very good order
  • Paintwork presents well with only light marks to note on bumpers as shown 
  • Vendor suggests repainting the bumpers to bring up to standard of the rest of the car
  • Bodywork presents very well with straight panels with no reported accident damage 
  • Badged as a S500 but vendor and HPI check confirm this is a S320 
  • Uprated to 18in S55 Monoblock alloys in good order
  • Alloys show some light marks to a couple of rims that could be refurbished 
  • Fitted with quality Kumho tyres showing plenty of remaining tread
  • Underside in very good order with no structural advisories on current test 
  • Very high specification and factory-standard interior in superb condition 
  • Trimmed to S600 specification including two-tone grey leather 
  • Unmodified interior including original factory premium stereo with Bose surround sound
  • Rear electric blind, rare walnut B post trim and ashtrays amongst the extensive features
  • Champagne frigid fitted to rear of car’s interior 
  • Electric front seats with memory function 
  • Extensive wood veneers in very good order throughout 
  • Rouched leather door cards in good order 
  • LWB body style with extra rear legroom as shown 
  • Glass sunroof and well kept headlining 
  • There is a small mark on the windscreen as shown in photographs 

The Mechanics 

  • 3,199cc M104 6cyl 228bhp engine 
  • 5spd 5G-TRONIC automatic gearbox 
  • Well maintained car with recent oil and filter change
  • Long list of recent work summarised below 
  • No reported running or driving issues 
  • One minor point to note on current MOT 
Maintenance and servicing since 2021: 
  • Engine and gearbox oil change several times 
  • New thermostat
  • Timing chain and tensioner
  • New discs and pads all round 
  • Rear hydraulic shock absorbers
  • Attention to self levelling suspension using OEM parts
  • Brake and differential fluids 
  • Auxiliary belts 
  • Spark plugs 
  • Engine and gearbox mounts 


BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. 

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Auction Details

  • Year1998
  • MakeMercedes
  • ModelS Class
  • ColourGrey
  • Odometer112,780 Miles
  • Engine size3199cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownHove
  • CountySussex
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

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