The Mercedes-Benz E-Class ‘W124’ is seen by many as one of the Three-Pointed Star’s finest hours.
Launched in 1986 to replace the legendary but long-in-the-tooth W123 series, the 124 was exquisitely engineered, believed by many to be 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, almost four decades 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 icon and one of the best vehicles in the world.
Among the many 124s built, it’s those with the fewest doors that are arguably the most desirable. Dubbed the C124, the two-door Coupé and Convertible models are real standouts in an already fine line-up, especially when equipped with a 3.2-litre straight six under the bonnet.
And that’s what we have here – a gorgeous Convertible model in a very rare colour known as Bornite – a deep metallic mauve. It comes with a fully documented history, having been purchased by the current owner in 2003 and maintained by specialists during his ownership. A serial Mercedes enthusiast, he’s reluctantly downsizing his collection and is very keen for his beloved Bornite Benz to find an enthusiastic new home.
The History and Paperwork
UK V5C in the name of the vendor
MOT until October 2024
Original handbook, service booklet and owners’ manual
Original service book stamped up to 107k in 2007, when space in the booklet ran out.
Subsequent invoices for all services and repair work since
Old MOTs dating back to the 2001
Recommissioned in 2022 after being kept in dry storage since 2015 – has covered only 450 miles since
Original dealer brochures
Used Car Invoice from when the Mercedes was two years’ old, for £29,995
Two sets of keys
Original Mercedes-Benz document wallet
The Condition
Stunning Bornite metallic paint that still retains a decent shine
15-inch factory alloy wheels in good overall condition
Overall good paint finish with some tiny marks and scuffs but nothing of great note
Front wings replaced by current owner
No apparent corrosion to the wings, sills and rear wheelarches, other than one tiny bubble
Underside has evidence of surface corrosion but no apparent structural issues, and has not received any MOT corrosion advisories
Smart cream leather interior
Minor patina to leather seat facings but nothing of any note – just gentle signs of age and some wear to driver’s side seat bolster
Electronic “seatbelt butlers” in good working order
Tidy carpets, headlining and door cards
Electric roof operates as intended – has a few small areas of deterioration and evidence of past repairs (see photos) but remains water-tight
Four electric windows, giving lovely pillarless side profile once retracted
Pop-up rear headrests/rollover pads
Factory wind deflector
Modernised face-off CD stereo
Minor cracking to veneer around roof and electric window buttons
Headlight wiper-motors do not work
Air con may need some attention, probably re-gassing
The Mechanics
3,199cc M104 straight six boasting 227bhp
Recently serviced ready for sale
Five-speed automatic transmission reportedly in good working order
Starts on the button with minimal smoke and holds strong oil pressure and a steady temperature
According to the vendor the car drives very well indeed, with no known or apparent faults
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:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ 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.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com
