Description
Believed to be the earliest MK1 A class in the UK. Originally a Press/ Test car and was the actual car used by Autocar and other publications for its first UK road test. Motoring journalist Andrew Frankel purchased the car from Mercedes UK and the car left the Frankel household in 2010 after a minor accident (documented in the Mercedes Owners Club Magazine, The Gazette). Despite only minor damage to the bumper and bonnet, the car has a Cat D marker due to its low market value at the time. Once back with Mercedes it was restored to as-new condition, Mercedes never disclosed how much was spent. When Mr Frankel drove the car for a retrospective Autocar road-test (- details above see last photo) he purchased the car back to go into his small collection. Due to lack of use it was sold to a private collector who took the car to Mercedes to do a major service costing £1, 729. The car was garaged and rarely used and due to failing health so he decided to sell. The car presents in almost as-new condition and has just had a fresh MOT with no advisories, current until January 2027. The car has had 6 owners (two of which were Mercedes and 2 the Frankels). It now sits on 89, 000 miles. Huge volume of documentation, including invoices, letters, magazines, V5Cs and MOT certificates. The service book shows 15 stamps, the last service less than 1, 000 miles ago inc gearbox oil change.
Entirely original and period correct in Ember Red (594U) with grey fabric/ slate grey/ orion grey (008A) interior combination, side airbags, driver and passenger airbags, cassette compartment, speakers front and rear, Mercedes genuine CD player, 4x electric windows, electric mirrors, vertical adjustable and removable front passenger seat, spare wheel, closing system with infrared remote control, oddments box under drivers seat, fire extinguisher, first aid kit.
Mercedes renewed lots of high contact/ use items like gearknob, floor mats etc as part of their work on it. All documented.
It’s even been craned onto the roof of the Silverstone circuit buildings for a promotion!
My mother had exactly this model new in 2000, hence why I bought it. An incredibly rare and important car in terms of design with great history. Pretty much a brand new MK1 A class!
