Highlights

High specification 320CE once owned by Queen’s bodyguard
Very well maintained car with extensive history file
Finished in Bornite (blackberry) with beige leather
Bodywork repairs in 2024 and last serviced September 2025
Recent £2,800 engine, suspension, and gearbox work
Featured in Classic Mercedes magazine
Current MOT to September 2026 with no advisories

The Appeal

The world of robust, dependable four-seat classic GT coupes is a small one, but king of it is the Mercedes C124. Based on the exquisitely engineered W124 saloon, the coupe version makes an excellent weekend treat or even, thanks to all that over-development, a dependable daily driver.

This much-historied 320CE is one of the nicest we’ve seen in a long while. Finished in Bornite - aka Blackberry - with a beige leather cabin, it has been maintained to a very high standard throughout its life. Highlights include bodywork repairs in 2024, a recent service and £2,800 repairs to the engine, suspension and gearbox. The current MOT runs to September 2026 with no advisories.

A useful multi-page feature in Classic Mercedes provides background on the car, including that it was previously owned by one of Queen Elizabeth II’s bodyguards. This is a really tidy, carefully-maintained C124 with the right engine, provenance and specification to appeal to enthusiasts.

The vendor says:

“It drives really lovely, only thing I did find out the rear heated screen doesn’t work. That’s the only thing I that doesn’t work. I’m only selling this car because I’ve lost the use of a garage at the end of December and I don’t like it being out in all weathers.”

History & Paperwork

First registered 18th January 1994
Factory built in December 1993
Original UK market car
Eight registered keepers in 30 years
Previous keeper acquired car in September 2018
Current keeper acquired car in September 2024
Factory handbooks and wallet in good condition
2 keys
V5C
Documented history of all the repairs and service from the day it left the factory
Recent maintenance highlights summarised below
Over £7,000 invested in car since 2021
Handwritten correspondence from previous keepers in file
Typed list of service history showing 25 visits to 1st May 2024 and 129,028 miles
Stamped service book supports the above
Regular brake fluid and coolant changes stamped in service book
Current keeper has contacted previous keepers to trace history
Detailed multi-page article on the car in Classic Mercedes August 2018 issue shown in photographs
Photographic prints of the car and old MOTs included in file
Previously sold by specialists Charles Ironside and SS Motors
A previous keeper was a senior bodyguard to the Queen
MOT runs to 13th September 2026 with no advisories and 131,600 miles in test
Currently owner is selling the car due to losing storage

Notable recent maintenance:

04/09/25: oil and filter service
20/05/24 - servicing to engine and gearbox, suspension and steering repairs totalling £2,799
26/04/23 - air mass unit replaced and gearbox ECU cleaned
11/04/24 - bodywork repairs totalling £2,241
02/02/24 - battery replaced, alarm repaired and other work
23/03/23 - service
31/01/22 - engine work totalling £3,189
08/09/22 - four new tyres
10/09/21 - suspension work totalling £1,425

The Condition

Original factory Bornite ‘blackberry’ (481U) metallic paintwork
Recent professional paintwork and bodywork refurbishment
Bodywork presents well with well kept panels which can be checked in photos
Vendor reports light scratches to paintwork but nothing unsightly
Sills, arches, panels, and underside present well with no MOT structural advisories
Straight bodywork with no accident damage reported
Minor signs of age to paintwork such as light scuffs visible in photos
Retains factory-correct eight-hole alloy wheels in good general order with matching spare
Fitted with four new tyres in September 2022
Well-kept beige leather interior showing only light signs of age and use
Light creasing to driver’s seat but not unsightly
Well-specified car including sunroof and dark walnut veneers
Cabin fittings well kept including headlining, carpets, and trim
Retains original factory radio cassette unit
Tidy boot area with tools and spare wheel with Hankook tyre

The Mechanics

M104 3.2-litre straight six 215bhp 24V engine
Five-speed automatic gearbox, preferred to the earlier four-speed
Covered less than 500 miles since the last service
£7,000 invested across mechanical and running gear since 2021
Very well maintained with regular servicing to September 2025
Vast history file available for inspection
No mechanical or running gear advisories on current MOT

BEFORE YOU BUY

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