**Vendor supplied images**
The Appeal
The third generation of the ultra-luxurious Mercedes Benz S class brought the concept bang up-to-date in 1991, including innovations like double-paned glass and 12-way electric seats. Everything was designed to make the W140 an exquisite place to be and that’s as evident today as it was then.
The W140 is considered to be the last Mercedes-Benz to be ‘over-engineered’ and one of many Mercedes models of the 1990s that is starting to attract an enthusiast following, with good examples now finding their feet in the market.
The W140 is considered to be the last Mercedes-Benz to be ‘over-engineered’ and one of many Mercedes models of the 1990s that is starting to attract an enthusiast following, with good examples now finding their feet in the market.
As good examples go, this UK supplied car is a fine candidate. Whilst not concours, the vendor tells us it is a superb, corrosion-free and unmolested example. W140s with low miles and owners rarely come on the market, this S420 with its stunning Malachite paintwork, immaculate black cloth interior and maintenance record make it even more collectable. If you are looking for a well sorted W140, you’ve found it.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in June 1996
- It was supplied new in 1996 by Mercedes Benz Greenoaks Ltd. to Lombard Contract Hire.
- 3 previous owners with the previous custodian for 23 years
- In 1997 on 9,348 miles ownership passed to the second keeper in St. Ives
- In 1998 on 18,000 miles ownership passed to their friend, also from St. Ives
- It remained in his ownership for 23 years and, during this period, no expense was spared in its maintenance
- The vendor, knowing the owner for over 40 years, acquired the car with 71,131 miles following a recommendation by a well respected Local Mercedes Master Technician
- This technician had been involved with its servicing at the main dealerships and subsequently at his specialist company, Merc Autocare
- Always garaged by previous owner and vendor
- Original owner's leather document pack
- 2 sets of keys plus rare wallet key
- Main dealer and specialist history (11 stamps) with supporting invoices
- MOT until July 2023 with no advisories
- Extensive maintenance documentation
This W140 is from the overlap period in which a facelifted version of the model was introduced. As such it features a number of styling elements found on later cars, including clear indicator lenses and thicker bumpers in body colour satin finish replacing the earlier contrasting colour.
While the original 71,647 miles demonstrates this Mercedes has been driven very sparingly, it certainly hasn’t suffered from neglect. It should be noted that there is documented speedometer repair at 56,089 miles and that the service history recently displays the indicated mileage rather than the accrued total.
It comes with a complete set of owner’s documents in its original leather wallet. The Maintenance Booklet contains 11 stamps with 10 by Mercedes main dealer and Mercedes specialists, with a full service and brake fluid change on 31/01/2022 at 15,138 miles indicated (71,227 miles actual).
The vendor has compiled a history file for the S420 to include invoices, previous MOT’s, schedule of former keepers and maintenance. The maintenance schedule is available from the vendor and can be forwarded by email on request. The vendor will entertain viewings and has a ramp available at his premises to assist with inspections.
Currently the odometer reading is 15,670 miles but it will increase marginally by the end of auction.
Exterior
- Stunning Malachite Green Metallic paint
- Refurbished original alloys
- Underside recently treated with corrosion protection
The Malachite Green paintwork is in exceptional condition with only a few very minor spider marks on the rear driver’s door/side quarter panel and very minor blemishes on the bonnet. The alloy rims have been recently refurbished and have Kumho tyres with plenty of tread.
W140’s can suffer rust on the bonnet leading edge and wheel arches with none present on this rust free example, the car has never required welding. The sunroof operates as it should as do the soft closure door and boot locks. Underneath, the car has recently been treated with ACF50 protection.
All of the car's external trim is present and correct and in very good order. The brightwork wears a nice shine and belies the car's age.
All lamp lenses are in good condition and the headlight wash wipe works. The rear driver's side double glazed unit has slight condensation, but a good replacement will be supplied with the car
W140’s can suffer rust on the bonnet leading edge and wheel arches with none present on this rust free example, the car has never required welding. The sunroof operates as it should as do the soft closure door and boot locks. Underneath, the car has recently been treated with ACF50 protection.
All of the car's external trim is present and correct and in very good order. The brightwork wears a nice shine and belies the car's age.
All lamp lenses are in good condition and the headlight wash wipe works. The rear driver's side double glazed unit has slight condensation, but a good replacement will be supplied with the car
Interior
- Black cloth interior
- Black headlining
- Original carpets and over-mats in excellent condition
- Original Blaupunkt Paris RCM 104 radio in full working order
- Wood trim in excellent condition
- Rear, ceiling mounted illuminated vanity mirrors
- Electrical switchgear all in working order
- Air-conditioning fully functional
- Electrically-operated, heated seats
- Electric windows and mirrors
- First aid kit present
The rare black cloth interior of this S420 compliments the Malachite Green exterior and is in excellent original unmarked condition, with none of the wear you would expect of a 26 year old car.
Similarly, the rear seats appear not to have had much, if any, use and the fronts retain their legendary armchair comfort. The boot carpet is in excellent condition with the original spare wheel, toolkit and warning triangle.
Similarly, the rear seats appear not to have had much, if any, use and the fronts retain their legendary armchair comfort. The boot carpet is in excellent condition with the original spare wheel, toolkit and warning triangle.
The Mechanical
- 4.2-litre, 32-valve V8
- 5-speed automatic transmission
The S420 has the M119 E 42 V8 offering a healthy 275bhp and 400nm, all fed through a five-speed auto transmission to the rear wheels. At 71,700 miles and with its extensive service history the engine and transmission behave the same as they did for the original owner, and should be good for many thousands of miles yet.
Recent work undertaken includes:
Recent work undertaken includes:
- New Bosch air filters and cabin air re-circulation filter at 15,090 miles (71,179 miles actual)
- Recent comprehensive service on 19/01/2022 at 15,138 miles (71,227 miles actual) including: oil/filter, coolant flush and renew, gearbox oil/filter, differential oil change, brake fluid change, power steering fluid, fuel filter, spark plugs, dust filter, gear selector bush
The brakes and suspension are in excellent condition and we are advised that it drives and handles like a well maintained W140 should, with no known faults.
Summary
The W140 provides an object lesson in the production of big, spacious luxury saloons which is what made it so popular with business leaders and professional chauffeurs of the 1990s. They are no less impressive to ride in and drive today, and are surprisingly more than capable of achieving mid-twenties MPG.
Add to that the fact that this is surely as close as you will get to a new W140 in 2022 and its true appeal becomes obvious. It’s very original, inside and out, with low mileage and an extensive service history. This is a W140 with a long future ahead of it and offers buyers a rare and appealing example of the marque.
Notice to bidders
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.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
