No Reserve!

∙Detailed history file
∙Desirable colour combination
∙Superb runner
∙Always very well maintained

The 1990s were a golden age for elegant sporting coupes, and perhaps the most alluring of the bunch is the C124-generation Mercedes-Benz. Fusing crisp design and pillarless style with robust mechanicals and sublimely appointed interiors, these cars tick a whole lot of boxes both for collectors of modern classics, and people who are after a dependable daily driver that’s got a little more class and panache than an anonymous modern SUV or what-have-you. And the best part of all is that C124s can be picked up for improbably low prices; while values of SLs cabrios have been consistently strong for as long as any of us can remember, the time is yet to come for prices of these elegant coupes to start climbing significantly.

So what is it? Well, the 124-series in its various guises offered something for everyone in period, and that’s just as true today. The catch-all W124 name actually just refers to the saloons of the range; model code-wise you’ll also find the S124 estates, A124 cabriolets, V124 limousines and, of course, C124 coupes. With a multi-link rear axle and extremely low drag coefficient, these were cars crafted by world-class engineers and clothed in stylish bodies; technological marvels that also happened to be very easy on the eye. And the coupe was a masterpiece of packaging – appearing relatively compact and alluringly sporty from the outside, it still retained impressively saloon-like interior space along with, naturally, all the toys you’d expect. Handsome, solid, practical and clever – and did we mention how affordable they are right now…?

The current owner has had this car since 2016, and it’s enjoyed gentle and sympathetic use in his tenure. He was keen to buy the best example that he could and, as you’re about to learn from the ‘paperwork’ section, this car really has been cherished by its former keepers. Indeed, over his years of ownership, the seller has only had to perform routine maintenance on the car – it hasn’t required running repairs or troublingly expensive stacks of replacement parts, it’s simply got on with the business of being a Mercedes-Benz: enjoyable, pleasurable, and – most importantly – dependable. The only reason for sale now is that he’s got too many cars: the E320 lives in his garage, but there’s a newer acquisition that needs that coveted indoor spot, so it’s simply a case of one-in-one-out.

The history file with this car is remarkably thorough. Starting with the basics, there is of course the current V5 which shows that there have been six former keepers. All of the original manuals and books are present, including the service book which shows that the car was originally sold on August 1st 1995 from Cruickshank Motors Ltd, Bristol, and there’s a pleasing array of service stamps. We find a huge sheaf of carefully organised receipts and invoices in the file, and most reassuringly of all, there’s a minutely documented list of all the work that’s been carried out on the car throughout its life, all listed in chronological order with accurate dates. And how often do you find something like that?! It all speaks of a car that’s supremely honest and trustworthy – no skeletons in the closet, its entire history is laid bare for you to peruse.

The cabin of the E320 is a rather splendid place to be. This car was originally specced with Mushroom leather trim, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, electric sliding sunroof, the full suite of airbags, electrically-operated rear headrests, and folding front armrest with storage box. The condition and quality of the interior is superb – you’d probably expect a colour like Mushroom to show more wear and dirt over the course of its twenty-six years, but this is evidently a car that’s always been looked after and regularly cleaned. The seats are in lovely condition, with just a little cracking on the driver’s-side bolster – the leather is in great condition overall and the foam in the seats hasn’t sunk, they’re nice and supportive. The light-coloured carpets, mats and headlining are all equally tidy. The sunroof works perfectly, as do all of the interior lights and the roof-mounted seatbelt alert light. Crucially, the seatbelt butlers (the little robotised arms that hand you your belt when you get in, then retract out of sight) are working perfectly on both sides. The rear headrests are also working correctly, raising and lowering on the button as they should. There are no warning lights on the dash, and every button and switch we tested was working correctly. There are no cracks in the dashtop. The windows raise and lower correctly to achieve that desirable pillarless profile. Every trim piece is present and correct (including the original first aid kit inside the parcel shelf), and the only deviation from standard is an aftermarket Sony CD head unit.
Inside the boot, everything is dry and clean. The carpet fits well, and beneath it is a correct-size spare wheel. Mounted to the upper section of the boot is a Pioneer CD changer, and inside the bootlid is the original warning triangle.

On the whole, this E320 is beautifully presented. There are just a few blemishes of note, so let’s start with them before we move on to the good stuff. The paint on the bonnet and boot lid has suffered with age a little and a perfectionist may wish to repaint them. (It’s possible that the boot could be saved with some expert paint correction, but the extent of the micro-blistering at the front of the bonnet suggests to us that a proper repaint would be the solution.) There’s also a very minor patch of rust coming through at the rearmost corner of the passenger-side rear wheelarch – a common area for this as moisture and debris can get trapped in there. This shouldn’t be too big a deal for any competent specialist. There’s a little condensation inside one of the front indicators. But aside from those minor issues, there’s a lot to love about this extremely presentable Benz. Originally ordered in Metallic Blue-Black paint – a shade that suits those crisp lines beautifully – it was specced with some tasty options, including the headlamp wash-wipe and the eight-hole alloy wheels. The panel fit is uniformly excellent, with even shutlines all round and the doors closing with a satisfyingly solid thunk. Facelift C124s like this feature what marque aficionados refer to as the ‘Sacco planks’ (Bruno Sacco being the car’s designer); these are the body cladding panels that run the full length of the lower half of the car, and these are all in place here and smartly aligned. The bumper corners are free from the usual scuffs, although there are a few minor scratches to the centre of the rear bumper (which should be easy to remedy with a topical repair). There’s a little tarnishing to the upper section of the front grille, but otherwise all of the brightwork is in very good order. The wheels have no kerbing damage, and wear matching Pirelli Cinturato tyres with decent tread.
Underneath the car, everything appears to be reassuringly solid, with just a very little surface corrosion to the front anti-roll bar (which is not unexpected). We saw no structural corrosion or evidence of accident damage – it all appears to be straight and true.

The drivetrain package on this model offers a desirable combination of frugality and torquey muscle on demand. The 3.2-litre M104 straight-six offers a robust 228bhp and 188lb.ft, and the gearbox it’s mated to is a thoroughly appropriate match, being a 5-speed auto with well-judged ratios. As you’d expect of a Mercedes that’s always been properly maintained, it runs beautifully today – The seller has told us it starts on the first turn of the key, idles evenly, and maintains the right temperature. They also tell us that there are no issues with the engine or transmission, or indeed the suspension, steering or braking systems – everything’s working as it should. The wiring loom has also been replaced.

It’s also worth noting that this car was originally specced with the ‘Sport Chassis’ option, which added into the mix the aforementioned light-alloy wheels along with thicker anti-roll bars, shorter and stiffer springs and harder bushes. This imbues the coupe with a more purposeful stance and makes it more fun in the corners, all without compromising that trademark magic-carpet ride.

These smartly designed and intelligently engineered coupes represent truly remarkable value these days. Inherently sturdy and robust, these things just keep on going and going if they’re properly looked after (as this one very much has been), and the quality mechanicals are backed up by an entertaining and reassuring drive. It’s a particularly handsome machine too, isn’t it? The proportions are spot-on, it looks effortlessly stylish, and there’s all the space you could wish for inside – it’s part luxury wafter, part GT.
Specced well from new and always carefully maintained, the history of this car speaks volumes about its undeniable honesty. Sure, there are a few bits and bobs to tidy up if you’re looking to make it perfect, but it’s nothing difficult or expensive, and the bones of this car are just so strong: it’s got all the right options, the interior is in wonderful condition, the mechanicals are happy and dependable… it’s a properly enticing package, ready to immediately press into regular use. And selling at no reserve, this could well be an absolute bargain for its next keeper.

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