• 3.0-litre 124 Coupé with 24v head

 • Rare Sportline trim

 • Long MOT

 • Stacks of bills and receipts

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class ‘W124’ is seen by many as one of the company’s finest hours.  Launched in 1986 to replace the legendary but long-in-the-tooth W123 series, the 124 was exquisitely engineered, one of the last truly over-developed and beautifully built Benzes. It felt old-fashioned when it was launched – but in a good way. 

As if it were made to feel deliberately archaic because Mercedes knew that, 35 years after it launched, there would still be loads left in service throughout the world. And there are. From multi-million kilometre taxi cabs in far-flung corners of Africa, to boulevard-cruising coupes and cabriolets in California, the W124 is one of those global icons. 

A great car, a well-loved car and one of the best cars in the world. But just because it’s enduringly popular doesn’t mean the W124 doesn’t have a few rarities and anomalies. There are some really unusual and desirable cars among the throngs of survivors, and here’s one of them. It’s a 1991 300CE 24v Sportline, officially a ‘C124’ and not a W124 as the C designated the two-door body styles. 

The Sportline models ran from 1991 to 1995 and had a few differences to standard 124s, notably their alloys, lowered ride height and sports seats. As hardtop 124s go, this is arguably one of the most collectible.

The C124 has been in the care of its previous owner for the past six years during which time it has just covered less than 1,000 miles and has been used on an occasional basis only. While its history is by no means comprehensive, it does have all the hallmarks of a car that's very well looked after throughout its life and particularly over the past few years. 

Potential bidders should be made aware of the fact that the car has a Category D marker on the motor insurance database, dating from much earlier in its life. Buyers should familiarise themselves with what this means before bidding.

Supplied with the Mercedes-Benz are a UK logbook and an MOT certificate valid until 4 December 2022, which it passed with no advisories. There are stacks of bills and receipts with the car documenting its earlier life, and supplied in a folder, while it also still has its original owners’ manual and service book. 

There are receipts totalling over £3,000 in maintenance during the past five years, showing that the car has been properly maintained despite covering a minimal mileage.

Finished in a smart deep black, the C124 is a stately and handsome-looking beast and still looks fabulous over 30 years since it left the production line, its grand but discreet styling ageing as well as a vintage cheese or a fine wine. 

It’s not perfect – it’s a 30-year old car and it has covered a fair mileage, so there are a few small marks and scuffs around the body, but overall it's an extremely smart and presentable example and looks absolutely fantastic with its glossy black over pewter finish. 

Of much more importance is the fact that it appears solid, as testified by the fact all of the critical areas are in good order and the body is free of any visible rot. It sits smartly on five-spoke Sportline alloys and is overall an extremely handsome motor car.

The cabin of this W124 is a major selling point as it’s really smart and handsome. It features full black leather and looks absolutely terrific, with only minimal signs of wear to the seat bolsters. 

Matching black carpet mats give even further appeal. All of the controls appear to work as they should with only the seat belt presenter being a little temperamental, while the sea of black is offset by some discreet wood veneers on the dash, gear surround and centre console, which are in very good order. 

Mercedes’s 2,962cc straight six is a wonderful engine that is renowned for its longevity and reliability. In 24v form it’s a lively thing, too, with 217bhp and 0-60 in less than eight seconds. This one has covered just under 170,000 miles and starts and runs as it should. 

The vendor reports that it drives with no obvious faults being evident, but he strongly recommends a good going over before any use as there may be faults which he is not aware of. 

As modern everyday classics go, the Mercedes-Benz 124 Series takes some beating in any of its guises. But this one is also one of the coolest 124s you can buy – a sleek two-door coupé version with by far the best engine and specification. 

It’s a charming and wonderfully original Benz with a good history and maintenance record, which is both a cool modern-ish classic and a sensible future investment providing you continue to look after it.