Highlights

Superb looking vehicle with unusual Rubin Red paintwork
Cream leather interior in great condition
2.2-litre automatic engine drives smoothly
Low mileage at only 61,709 miles

The Appeal

The 124-generation of E-Class Mercedes-Benz first arrived in 1993 and was one of the brands best-loved designs, with some 2.7-million being sold up until 1997. The saloon was discontinued in 1995, but the (A124) cabriolet lasted until 1997, making this 1996 example one of the last of the breed.

Various engine options were available, but this one is powered by the 148bhp 2.2-litre M111 unit which is mated up to a four-speed automatic gearbox that offers smooth and relaxing progress.

What really stands out about this particular model – which at 61,709 miles has a low mileage for its year – is its condition. The fantastic colour combination of Rubin Red paintwork matched with the cream leather interior is easily one of the best colourways that Mercedes offered and a refreshing change from the default silver-and-black leather. Its condition is exceptional and it was featured on the front cover of a magazine. Definitely one for the collectors.

The History and Paperwork

V5C present in current owner’s name
Owned since 2022
Supplied new by Falcon of Loughborough
MoT until 17 May 2024
No MoT advisories since 2016
Original Mercedes book pack
Full service history stamped in the original Mercedes booklets
Maintained by either Mercedes main dealers or independent specialists

First registered in October 1996 by Falcon of Loughborough and with a full service history stamped in the original dealer service booklet. It was maintained by Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire Mercedes-Benz dealers until 2001 when it had covered 21,198 miles.

Various local Nottinghamshire then maintained it until 2006 when it had covered 34,109 miles. Main dealer Evans Mercedes of Leicester serviced it in 2008, followed by two services with main dealer Arlington of Bedford, who cared for it until 2010 at 45,302 miles. Slades Garage in Buckinghamshire serviced it twice at 46,186 miles (in 2012) and at 46,208 miles in 2014.

In December 2019 at 56,608 miles it went to Mercedes specialists Sapphire Autos in Ruislip to have an oil and filter change, together with a brake fluid change and a gearbox oil service. The pollen filter, air filter, fuel filter and all four spark plugs were also renewed as part of this comprehensive service.

This was a spur of the moment lockdown purchase by the current owner who also owns another Rubin Red Mercedes (his SL500 is also on this auction site) and was impressed by the car’s immaculate condition. It’s a rare colour combination and this was clearly what impressed Mercedes Enthusiast magazine who featured it on the cover of their January 2017 issue and ran a full feature on it.

The Interior

Original cream leather interior trim is in great condition
Electric front seats with two memory positions
Slight cracking and worn patch to driver side backrest bolster
Centre armrest has some cracking and wear on it
Rest of leather interior is in great condition and looks superb
Original airbag leather/wood steering wheel is unmarked and in good condition
Dash is uncracked and in good condition
Centre console wood effect trim is in good order
Alpine CDE-196 DAB Bluetooth CD tuner fitted

You can’t help but fall for the condition of the interior of this E220 which looks superbly premium thanks to having pale cream leather offset by wood inserts. The only evidence of wear is to the outer edge of the driver’s seat bolster and some patination on the centre armest. The rest of the interior is in remarkably good condition and the large, wide seats are supremely comfortable. It’s a proper four seater for adults, too, and even the rear seats have a central armrest and offer reasonable legroom.

The wooden inserts in the centre console are in good condition and the only alteration to the factory specification is the addition of a modern Bluetooth-equipped DAB radio and CD player.

The part wood-part leather factory steering wheel feels great to the touch and is unmarked thanks to being mainly black leather. The factory soft-top worked at the touch of a button and is latched manually with two levers above the windscreen frame. It has no rips or tears in it and the headlining was in clean condition.

You can tell a lot by the interior condition of a car and this one has clearly been pampered by its previous owners.

The Exterior

Rubin Red metallic paintwork looks superb and presents well
Very few marks or stonechips on paintwork
Straight shut lines and free from any bubbling around the wheelarches
Minor lacquer peel on the offside corner of front bumper
Front indicator lenses all look to be in good order
Front headlights clear and uncracked with headlamp wash/wipe
Both rear tail-lights in good condition
Minor delamination in one corner of front windscreen
Original Mercedes alloy wheels all in good condition
Four matching Michelin Energy Saver tyres (dated 2016) in 195/65-R15 size
Spare alloy wheel is a Michelin tyre in 195/65-R15 size

Rubin Red metallic paintwork must rank as one of the best colours for an E220 convertible and this example has stunningly straight bodywork and gleaming glossy paintwork. It’s believed to be largely original and the only negative is a minor bit of lacquer peel on the edge of the front bumper. Few people would spot it and the rest of the paintwork is in remarkable condition.

The black fabric hood is in equally good condition with no rips or marks and the heated glass rear screen looks to be in perfect condition.

All four alloy wheels appear unmarked and are shod with a matching set of Michelin tyres. All the light lenses look uncracked and are in good condition. With pillarless doors it even looks good with the hood up and all the windows down.

Overall this Rubin Red beauty looks stunning and really suits the cars cream leather trim. Much more of a showstopper than the far more common silver and grey metallics!

The Mechanics

Engine bay looks smart and all original with all correct labels in place
Powered by a 148bhp 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine
Engine started up easily and drove well
Four-speed automatic gearbox selected gears easily and felt fine

This E220 drove fine to the photoshoot location and felt relaxing and solid on the road. The gearbox shifted gears with silky smoothness and the engine started easily proved quiet on the move. The air-conditioning worked a treat too and was very welcome on the hot day of the photoshoot. The current owner says that it drives without issues.

Summary

The condition is what sets this car apart, together with the fantastic colourway of Rubin Red metallic and cream leather. The paintwork is superb for its year and with full service history and a recent MoT it’s all ready to soak up admiring glances at the car shows.

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.*

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