Highlights
- Fabulous low mileage and low ownership example of the highly regarded W140 model
- Stunning interior and exterior condition with all equipment reported to be operational
- Will be serviced prior to this sale and has recently received replacement Mercedes Benz discs and pads all round
- S500 SWB model with the 5-litre V8 engine delivering 315 bhp
- Recent service and new battery fitted
The Appeal
The W140 incarnation of the Mercedes Benz S Class is rightly considered to be a high watermark in luxury car production. Built between 1991 and 1998, under the oversight of Bruno Sacco, the W140 represents what many feel to be the last of the true S Class models.
The ‘engineer-driven’ design approach adopted for this car meant that quality and refinement were put above all other considerations, the result being a car without compromise. Featuring many comfort and safety features way ahead of their time, this car truly set the benchmark for what a luxury car should be.
The fabulous low mileage and low ownership example offered here represents the W140 in desirable S500 short wheelbase form. Powered by a silky smooth 5-litre V8 producing 315 bhp, this is a car capable of whisking its occupants up to 155 mph in supreme comfort.
Clearly a very well cared for example of the breed, this particular car offers its future owner the opportunity to experience the W140 S Class as its designers intended.
The History and Paperwork
- V5C present
- First registered May 1997
- 3 former keepers
- MOT valid until 21/12/2023, with no advisories
- Full set of original documentation with 2 keys
- Stamped service book demonstrating regular servicing according to mileage at: 6149 miles (2001), 19164 miles (2002), 32935 miles (2004), 40981 miles (2005), 47635 miles (2006), 56142 miles (2007), 60579 miles (2008), 65084 miles (2009), then a period of little use and next service at 69440 miles (2019), with next service prior to sale
The Interior
- Wonderful condition throughout, a testament to the build quality of the car along with its low mileage and cared-for ownership
- All interior safety and comfort equipment reported by vendor to be functioning normally
- Very little wear on interior leather and fabrics, presenting in an almost-new condition
- Few pixels non-functional on original stereo system but otherwise operating normally
- Dual-zone climate control said to be delivering ice-cold air on request
- Full set of original Mercedes Benz floormats, also in excellent condition
- Large sunroof operating normally with headlining in excellent condition
- Original full toolkit, warning triangle and full-sized spare wheel.
On its release, the W140 provided new unseen levels comfort and refinement to its lucky occupants. From its double-panelled glass and soft-close doors to its 12-way electrically adjustable and heated front seats, this car broke new ground in passenger comfort.
Even at 25 years old, the quality of this particular example’s interior is obvious. The condition of the interior leather and carpets today bear witness to the high standard of materials used, giving the impression of a car a fraction of its age.
This car’s stunning light interior is set off beautifully by rich dark wood trim and harks back to an age before enormous touchscreens dominated the cabin experience – and it’s all the better for it!
The Exterior
- Gorgeous silver paintwork in generally very good condition all round apart from a few small blemishes. A few small stone-chips noted on the leading edge of the bonnet
- Excellent original alloy wheels
- Body work itself in excellent condition with straight panels and panel gaps with no visible corrosion
- Exterior trim all present and correct and in good condition
Being an example of the W140 S Class, the exterior of this car still presents in really excellent condition and certainly does not suffer from the corrosion issues which plagued the subsequent models.
Overall, the paintwork presents in a very good condition with only minor blemishes commensurate with the cars age and mileage. Additionally, the glass presents in good condition with only minor delamination evident.
The car itself sits very well on the road, riding on its original alloy wheels which also present in a very good condition.
The Mechanics
- Strong and smooth 5-litre V8 delivering its power via a 5-speed automatic gearbox
- No advisories on the current MOT, consistent with the good underbody appearance seen in photos
- Clean and original engine bay
- Car will receive service prior to completion of auction
- New Mercedes Benz discs and pads installed December 2021 with few miles covered since this time.
- New tyres fitted 2019, still in excellent condition with a reported 6 - 7mm of tread remaining
The car is reported by the seller to drive ‘like new’, which should not be surprising given the reputation of this car generally, and the history of this example in particular.
All fluid levels are reported to be correct and there are no reported oil leaks or undue noises during operation.
The V8 is reported to pull well and change smoothly throughout its gears before pulling up straight and briskly when required - no doubt benefiting from its recently installed replacement brake discs and pads.
Summary
The W140 is widely felt to represent the pinnacle of German luxury motoring and heralds from a time when quality of engineering and build were placed above all other concerns. This particular low mileage and low ownership car presents its future owner a wonderful opportunity to experience luxury motoring at its very best.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
