When the apocalypse comes, the scorched remains of the earth will most likely be populated by cockroaches and 124-series Mercedes. These things were built solid and made to last; it’s not uncommon to hear of die-hard owners getting stratospheric mileage from well-maintained examples – huge numbers beginning with a two or possibly even a three.

It’s well-known that Mercedes-Benz pumped colossal amounts of money into product development in the 1980s (the entire development cost of Jaguar’s XJ40, for example, wasn’t far off what Mercedes spent just on the rear suspension of the 190E), and the 124-series in its various guises is standing the test of time remarkably well.

Various guises? Why yes, there were many different versions. The W124 name is often used as a catch-all, but that actually just refers to the saloons, many of which you’ll find still in service today as taxis across Europe and beyond. Elsewhere in the range we find the S124 estates, A124 cabriolets, V124 limousines and, most relevant to our interests here, C124 coupes.

With a multi-link rear axle and extremely low drag coefficient, these were cars crafted by world-class engineers, 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.

So it’s handsome, solid, practical and clever – it’s an intriguing proposition, isn’t it?

Incredibly, this 230 CE has had just one owner since 1991. Not quite the fabled one-owner-from-new find, but not far off – this gent bought the coupe when it was just two years old and has kept and enjoyed it ever since.

The car was supplied by Alan Day Mercedes-Benz – an outfit that no longer exists in that form (although the Alan Day Group continues today as a VAG dealer), and it’s particularly special to note that this car still wears its original dealer-issue boot badge as well as the window sticker that shows the old 01-prefix phone number (which, you may recall, was split and replaced by 071 and 081 in May 1990).

So this is, in essence, a car that was bought to serve a purpose, and has served said purpose eminently well over the decades. It’s also pleasing to note that the dash shows just 75,000 miles – meaning that the 230 CE has averaged a mere 2,200 miles a year throughout its life. And given how solidly these cars are engineered, surely that means it’s barely run-in!

All of the original books and manuals are here, including the original service book showing the pre-delivery inspection by Rose & Young of Croydon and stamps up to the late nineties. It’s not a full and comprehensive service history, but only because the owner anticipated keeping the car forever and thus didn’t hang on to every piece of paper.

The important stuff is here though – as well as the V5 which lists one former keeper, we find a variety of servicing receipts and a sheaf of old MOTs. We can see from the MOT history that the car has only covered around 3,000 miles in the last decade.

Build quality is the watchword of the 124, and this is readily in evidence here. This car may be 33 years old, but you won’t find yourself niggled with squeaks or rattles or annoying noises. All is calm and serene as you waft along, testament to just how well these cars were made.

The seats are supremely comfortable, and in good condition aside from a hole worn in the driver’s side bolster and a small area where the stitching has separated at the top of the rear bench. The front seats tilt forward correctly to allow rear access, and the rear features its original armrest and removable central pad. 

The carpets and headlining are good, the wood trim is in decent condition, and all the interior lights work – including the one inside the glovebox. This car is equipped with the optional electric tilt-slide sunroof, which is in good working order. Indeed, all of the electrics seem to be working as they should, including the seatbelt ‘butlers’ that extend to hand your seatbelt to you when you sit down and shut the door.

The only button we found non-functional was the driver-door switch to raise the rear driver’s side window – although the button in the back works fine, so it’s not really a concern.

A period Blaupunkt Melbourne radio-cassette is fitted, the dashtop is free from cracks or damage, and the dials work as they should. The original warning triangle is mounted inside the bootlid; the boot carpet and floor is all dry and tidy, with the correct spare wheel and jack under the boot floor.

The bodywork of this Mercedes is fundamentally decent, and just a little careworn in a few areas. There’s a little surface corrosion visible on the front passenger-side wing, and an area ahead of the passenger-side rear wheel shows evidence of a minor scrape. The bumpers have taken the odd scuff that you’d expect of a city-driven car, but there’s no significant damage. 

The light lenses and window glass are all good, and all of the correct trim is in place. Aside from the occasional small scuff and scrape, it’s essentially pretty tidy, and it wouldn’t take a huge investment to get everything hunky-dory again. The original alloy wheels are fitted; they’d perhaps benefit from a refurb, but they all appear straight and wear tyres with decent tread.

On the whole, it’s a car that’s been enjoyed rather than obsessively pampered, but the fundamentals are all correct. And the pillarless profile really does look stylish with all the glass dropped, doesn’t it?

Engineering integrity is the 124 watchword, and this car certainly doesn’t disappoint. The 2.3-litre engine starts easily and idles evenly, and it smoothly sets about the business of doing what this car was designed to do: cruise in comfort. It’s a creamy drivetrain, with the auto ’box shifting just as it should.

There are no evident issues with the steering, suspension or brakes, it’s a really lovely thing to drive. Just as a 124 should be. It really does feel like it’s got many, many more miles left in it.

This is going to make a wonderful little runabout for somebody. The amount of effort that went into the engineering of these cars was staggering, and it shows – this car was built solid, and it’s still solid today. 

Sure, it’s got the odd minor cosmetic blemish, but the engine, transmission and chassis are all doing exactly what they should, and the interior is a thoroughly pleasant place to be. With such low miles and low owners, this really is a rare find. The winning bidder is sure to be happy with this bargain cruiser.