Highlights
- Rare and capable V8-engined 300bhp M3 rival
- £2,000 recently spent on mechanicals and bodywork improvements
- Smartly presented and understated super saloon
- Long MOT
The Appeal
Before the W202, Mercedes-Benz had dabbled with a BMW M3 rival in the form of the 190 2.5 Cosworth. With the arrival of the V8-engined, 300bhp AMG-fettled C43, they took the fight right to the Munich firm’s door.
Just 3,360 C43 saloons were built over two years and visually there is cleverly little to differentiate them from the more mainstream models. This makes this 1999 car a rare sight and an even harder one to spot. All the better to disguise its scintillating performance.
This car has had £2,000 invested in recent months on mechanicals and bodywork and comes with a long MOT. Smartly presented with a well preserved, high specification interior, it is a rare, rewarding and yet practical super saloon.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 6th July 1999
- VIN records confirm this car was built in March 1999 and despatch on 24th March 1999
- Current owner since 25th April 2018
- MOT runs to 8th June 2024 with some advisories not on the DVLA record
- Advisories include front ball joint dust covers, shock absorbers, coil springs, tyres and spring mountings
- Vendor tells us that there is lots of history with the car, some visible in the photographs
- Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres fitted 18 months ago
Vendor states £2,000 recently expended on the car, including:
- Rear brake discs and pads
- Refurbished AMG alloy wheels
- New rear lights
- Waxoyled underneath
- Rear bumper and offside rear wing replaced and repainted
- Lower bodywork rust treated and resprayed except bonnet
The Interior
- High specification interior distinctive AMG leather two-tone seats (code 588A) in good condition
- Signs of age or use are limited, with only light creasing and bolster wear on the front seats
- Front seats electrically operated with heating
- Switchgear in good condition with few scuffs visible and clear decals
- White AMG dials
- Heated screen wash
- Quality aftermarket Alpine stereo with phone connectivity and Bluetooth
- Carbon fibre trims on doors and centre console
- Door cards in good condition with little wear on the oft-used components
- AMG over mats
- Boot carpet and trim in good condition
The Exterior
- Brilliant Silver metallic (code 744U) in good condition with recent refurbishment
- Bodywork recently renovated with few marks or scuffs visible
- Offside rear panel recently repaired with good colour match
- AMG styling kit including side skirts and bumpers
- AMG alloy wheels shod with Goodyear tyres in good refurbished condition
- Matching full size alloy spare wheel
- Some deterioration noticeable under battery tray in boot and on boot floor
- Underside recently waxoyled with some corrosion visible
- Last MOT contained some minor MOT structural advisories
- Rubber sealing between wing and skirt on both front wings slightly deteriorated
- Badging, lights and glasswork in good condition and complete
The Mechanics
- 4,266cc 300bhp M113 Mercedes-Benz V8 engine
- AMG-modified 5spd Mercedes-Benz automatic gearbox with semi-automatic shift function
- AMG exhaust system with chrome embellishers
- 0-60mph in 5.7secs
- Vendor states that there is lots of history with the car, some of which can be seen in the photographs
Summary
The C43 put a decidedly Mercedes-Benz twist on the late 90s super saloon wars, combining high quality and luxury with V8-fuelled urge.
This rare, stock factory C43 benefits from recent mechanical and cosmetic investment and has a long MOT. Practical and capable it is a beguiling and tempting concoction.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
