・Class-leading comfort and versatility from this German cruiser

・Good service history including recent braking system overhaul

・Full respray in original paint colour in 2018

From the golden age of Mercedes-Benz, this convertible E-Class was designed by the marque’s former Chief Designer, Bruno Sacco. The iconic Mercedes aesthetic Sacco created spanned a whole range of cars, creating the unmistakable boxy, timeless look that we all recognise today. Of course, none of Sacco’s designs were more famous than the W124, considered by many to be the last of the Mercedes that were ‘hewn-from-granite’.

With an increasing demand for practical, open-top style in the late 80’s and early 90’s, the W124 was offered up in topless guise in 1991. Based on the more sleek, coupé version of the Mercedes-Benz W124, this new model, now designated the A124, was a car for those looking to enjoy the summer sun, but who still had adult responsibilities and for whom four seats and luggage space was a necessity. 

Owners nowadays love these cars for their balanced drive, smooth cruising capability and renowned durability, making them the perfect classics to enjoy on a regular basis and at a great, attainable budget. This drop top classic available for auction features the uber-reliable 2.2 litre four-cylinder engine and automatic gearbox. With 115,000 miles on the clock, it’s been a very well cared for, loved car and with prices of these still very much on the rise, this could be the perfect time to enjoy some practical, summer fun.

The current owner added this E220 to his collection in 2016 with a view to enjoy it throughout the summer months. Storing it in his garage for the duration of ownership, the excellent condition has been maintained but, having now sold his business, the space is no longer available and sadly it’s time for the owner to reduce the size of his collection. Owing to a full respray completed in 2018 the car presents immaculately. Mechanically, the same care and attention has been lavished, with a stamped service record documenting its 115,000 miles and a recent service, aircon re-gas and brake system overhaul, the car wants for nothing from its new owner.

Alongside the V5 are invoices for all work undertaken in recent years. MOT history shows a pass with no advisories on the 12th April, providing peace of mind for the next owner. 

The assortment of documentation also includes all of the original Mercedes-Benz books and manuals, as well as the operating guide for the original cassette player.

The four-seater interior is finished in a very desirable blue leather option which remains in excellent condition. There is some creasing to the front seats to be expected with a car of this age, but overall, it presents in excellent condition inside and echoes the over-engineered ethos employed on the mechanical side of the car. All switches, dials and buttons work as they should and there’s no excessive wear to the steering wheel or gear selector.

Another attractive option at the time of purchase, this car comes with air-con which was recently serviced and re-gassed so blows cold in a matter of seconds. The clean, original carpets and Mercedes-Benz branded matts complete a very tidy interior.

The fantastic two-tone Brilliant Silver (744) and Atlas Grey (7181) paintwork was professionally resprayed in 2018 to take care of the stone chips and scuffs which had accrued throughout the car’s life. Often these cars of 25+ years will feature lacquer peel and some panels bearing car parking dents, however, the exterior of this car is a real credit to its owner, with no visible signs of corrosion, chips or damage noted on the brilliant paintwork. 

The exterior condition continues to the immaculate alloy wheels which show no sign of corrosion or kerb damage and are topped off with newly fitted tyres all-round. Underneath the car there appears to be no rust or problem areas noted on our visual inspection.

The soft top raises and lowers electrically with no issues, neatly tucking into its own designated compartment meaning no loss of boot space. The dark blue colour of the cloth/mohair roof contrasts beautifully with the classy silver bodywork and is generally in good condition with no holes or tears though some light abrasions are present on either side.

The 2.2 litre engine is remarkably smooth, starting with ease and idling smoothly for the duration of time we spent photographing it. The slick auto gearbox shifts correctly between gears in a smooth manner without undue noise and steering is precise.

The brake system underwent a major overhaul recently in the seller’s ownership with work including new brake discs and pads all around, brake shoes and backplates to ensure peace of mind for many years to come.

The combination of a legendarily strong, capable drivetrain and clear evidence of proper servicing throughout its ownership amounts to a very well sorted Mercedes that would gladly work as a daily driver as it would a summer-kept cruiser.

The E220 convertible offers all the practicality of an executive saloon, with the sun-loving joy of a grand tourer, all wrapped up in classy, timeless Mercedes-Benz styling.

With its immaculate exterior and some particularly well-chosen options, this is a very desirable example of the late 90’s icon. Offering the reassurance of a wallet of paperwork and recent servicing, as the new owner, you could look to enjoy this classic for many years to come and feel confident in the knowledge that you chose well.