Mercedes have built up quite a reputation in the automotive world for being at the forefront of technological advances, often pioneering systems and innovations that are commonplace on modern vehicles. Many automotive journalists hold the belief that if you want to know what the automotive landscape will look like in 5-10 years’ time, all you must do is drive the flagship model from Mercedes.
The W124 was the epitome of an ‘understatement’ with sophisticated chassis engineering, class leading aerodynamics, and record setting safety features. The design of the car was meant to last as long as the rest of the vehicle and when the last examples came off the production line, they fitted the rest of the automotive design landscape at the time.
It’s no wonder these cars have developed a huge following of admiring enthusiasts, it really was a car to do it all. The model was also expanded to incorporate an estate, coupe, and convertible to really capitalise on the market of people who wanted a luxurious, comfortable, good-looking car that would be as functional and adaptable as it was reliable.
This car was purchased by the current owner from a gentleman in Wales in 2019, as it was an exceptionally clean example that the owner was going to make their own.
After a little time, dry stored in the owner’s garage, they decided that the car was too good to modify and change and the decision was made to keep the car completely as it was and to move it on to an owner who is looking for a clean, original, well cared for example.
The car has had 11 owners since its first registration in 1989, and has a mileage of only 128, 308 which for a legendarily reliable W124 model is relatively low, considering the dizzying distances some professionals took theirs to.
The car really is in time warp condition and being a two-door coupé puts it in the rarer category with 43,486 of the coupe’s being made as opposed to the 258,063 of the saloons.
There is quite the stack of service records for the Mercedes from its 32 years on the road. The V5 is present along with a stack of service receipts and MOT certificates, along with a previous advert for the car.
Included in the paperwork as well is a cherished car underwriting agency valuation certificate from 2004 which indicates a caring and enthusiastic owner, more evidence to the fact this car has been well cared for during its life.
Interestingly, there is a department of transport British national type approval certification for the car when it first arrived in British soil, something that might have been quite hard to come by in the car’s original paperwork. Along with these various documents of interest are the full suite of service books, showing regular maintenance, owner’s manuals and car guides that would have been with the car from its original sale.
The cream leather interior of this car is in fantastic condition with very few rips, tears or burns of any kind. There is also no discolouration, and the bolsters of the seats look to have held up very well over the cars 32 years. The carpet still has plenty of life and lift left and the wooden dash inserts are in fantastic condition also.
The main touch points of the car are also in great condition with the steering wheel and gear selector showing very little signs of wear and tear. Testament to the build quality of cars of this era, the plastic and leather trim, specifically around the top of the dash have endured very well, looking near factory fresh and along with most of the interior, showing little signs of wear indicating someone has taken great care with this car during their ownership.
The ‘Almandine Red’ (main body) and ‘Navarra Red’ (lower body) metallic paintwork on this Mercedes still holds its lustre and deep shine even after all these years, with no fading or corrosion.
There are some age-related marks as to be expected on a 32-year-old classic car, but they aren’t anything more serious that the usual stone chips or car park scuffs, if anything the exterior of this 32-year-old car is in remarkable condition and must be one of the best on offer in the UK right now.
Overall, this car presents very well from the outside with four unmarked and un-curbed genuine ‘gullideckel’ alloy wheels (including full sized spare). The lights are not cracked, chipped or hazy, the chrome brightwork is not pitted or worn and the plastic trim around the car is not warped or faded either. Even the exhaust tips aren’t caked in soot or grime. All glass around the car is solid also, with no stone chips or cracks.
The 300CE was powered by the M103 engine from Mercedes, a 3.0L straight six producing 177-188bhp depending on whether a catalytic converter was installed. This might not sound like a lot compared to the cars of today because this car was designed to get you there in complete and utter comfort, quickly and reliably as opposed to just quickly.
The engine in the car used ‘new to the market’ technology such as an oxygen sensor to improve fuel consumption. The engine in this car is reportedly working perfectly having wanted for nothing during its time, being serviced and worked on regularly with OEM quality parts. All electrics and driver aids in the car work as well, including the cruise control.
The current owner reports that the car is smooth, quiet and powerful when it needs to be, continuing to be an absolute pleasure to drive. An extra note, Inside the engine bay, the frame rails of the car look to be in fantastic order as well, with little to no paint missing and no rust bubbling to be seen at all, which should give peace of mind to prospective buyers.
A very well looked after example in very good condition, this Mercedes 300CE represents an enticing prospect. With classic Mercedes prices slowly on the rise, this example from the last year of the 80’s could well be a future investment opportunity.
It also represents a good value, usable, reliable classic option that still feels modern due to Mercedes radical trailblazing of modern systems and practices. The fact as well that these cars were regularly taken to way beyond 200,000 + miles before owners even thought about a change just goes to show how well they were built. If we take that as a guideline then this 32 year old classic still has plenty of life left in it to be enjoyed.
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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1989 Mercedes-Benz 300CE W124
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