A very original S320 (previous owner fitted an S500 badge) in excellent overall condition

 • Resplendent in its original paint and corrosion free having been recently imported from the salt free roads of Japan

 • Boasting a full service history and a certificated original mileage of under 35,000

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.

This particular example stands out thanks to its “time-warp” originality, excellent condition and minuscule mileage – a mere 1,400 miles per year on average. Add to that a full service history and a great specification and this has to be a “must have” for those in the market for a W140.

 • An official Japanese supplied W140 in 1997

 • Accumulated a full service history during its life

 • Complete with Japanese mileage verification certificate

 • Current UK V5 and advisory free MOT

 • Full original book pack and two keys

 • A completely original interior trimmed to the extraordinary standards of Mercedes Benz of this era

 • Seats are trimmed in pristine black leather

 • Woollen carpets in a contrasting dark grey

 • Dark wood veneer accents on the dash, centre console and door cards

 • 10 way heated electric seats with memory function

 • CD multi-changer and factory satellite navigation

 • Dual zone electronic climate control

 • Rear, ceiling mounted illuminated vanity mirrors

 • Electrical operation of steering column, rear window blind and rear headrests

Some argue that nobody did the big luxury saloon better in the 1990’s than Mercedes Benz and this interior showcases why. Its roomy and opulent with every driver and passenger convenience catered for….and then some. The fact that it is in such unmarked, original condition is just the icing on the cake.

 • Bright and lustrous looking Nautical Blue original paintwork

 • Bumper covers and side panels in great original condition

 • Bright and clear looking light lenses and chrome trim pieces

 • Tight and true panel gaps in true Mercedes Benz fashion

 • Original six spoke, 16-inch alloy wheels

 • Shod with quality Hankook Optimo tyres in the period correct 60R16 configuration

Having spent its life on the salt-free and well-maintained road networks of Japan, this W140 presents in excellent exterior condition and boasts its original factory paint, trim, glass and wheels. A car with significant road presence and, as the current owner puts it, built like a vault.

 • This MKIII M140 is fitted with the proven M104 E32 inline six engine

 • Originally rated at 228 bhp and capable of propelling this big car to over 140mph

 • Reported as running and driving “like a new car”

 • Clearly benefiting mechanically from the very low mileage and full service history

 • All mechanical systems understood to be in excellent working order

Considered by many to be a winning combination of ample power and decent economy, the inline six, 3,199cc engine feeding its power through a slick changing four speed automatic suits this big luxury car very well indeed. Considering its age, it’s efficient too. Underscored by a reasonable £280 annual road tax charge.  

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 1990’s. They are no less impressive to ride in and drive today as they were then either. 

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. Its very original, inside and out, with a tiny annual mileage, one owner and a full service history. This is a W140 with a long future ahead of it and a very rare an appealing example of the marque.