When Mercedes decided to build a flagship E Class, it embarked on a mutually beneficial relationship with Porsche; the Stuttgart engineers were busy with the new S Class while Porsche had capacity.
The result, the 500E, is the very definition of a wolf in sheep’s clothing as, although the front arches had to be widened to accommodate the chunky V8 engine, it’s done in such a way as to be only noticeable to those in the know.
Available only in left hand drive, this is a high performing sports saloon for the discerning Mercedes enthusiast.
This example spent much of its life in the USA in the hands of its first lady owner and was little used beyond 2010.
The current owner brought it over to Europe and had a full recommissioning carried out, including a bare metal respray at a Porsche main dealer.
A self-described perfectionist, he spent over €22,000 to get it to its current condition. Now fully UK registered, it’s ready for the next owner to benefit from the fruits of his labours.
Hailing from the days before Mercedes’ build quality suffered some well-documented wobbles, this car’s interior is a tribute to its former reputation.
While the driver’s seat and steering wheel show some signs of use, the rest of the interior is immaculate and, furthermore, all of the many electrically powered accessories are in full working order. Even the rear blind whirs up and down smoothly.
Aside from the European spec stereo which has been installed to provide radio reception (the original US unit will be supplied with the car), it’s all original apart from the floor mats, which are new.
There was no need to touch anything else as it was all perfectly preserved. The headlining is clean and sag-free and the wood trimmings have no lacquer peel.
Back in the capacious boot, there are a few marks on the carpet but the kick plates inside the doors were all replaced and were still wearing their protective film until the photographs were taken.
Fresh from its full repaint, it’s fair to say that you’re unlikely to find another 500E in this condition. The paintwork is a very professional job and, sitting on refurbished wheels and a fresh set of tyres, the car looks suitably understated but nonetheless spectacular to those in the know.
The bodywork is very straight and the panel gaps tight. If we were being very picky, there is a very slight chip off the bottom of the passenger side front indicator but you have to know it’s there to notice and otherwise there’s nothing to mention.
Under the bonnet, the engine bay is in lovely condition, having had any pipework that needed it replaced. The engine fires first time, every time and the owner reports that it drives just as it should, although he admits that he has not ever really tested its full performance.
Nonetheless in normal usage it accelerates well, changes gear smoothly and the four piston brakes are effective.
The new exhaust system was specified as a like for like replacement and replicates the original’s subdued noise levels, making it a quiet and very comfortable car for long journeys.
A Porsche-developed Mercedes super saloon in excellent original condition. You’ll struggle to find another one as good as this.
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