If proof were required that the excellent C124 Mercedes-Benz inspires devotion in owners, it is this car. Such is the model’s reliability, quality and cossetting cabin that owners tend to buy them and hang onto them.
With just six keepers in its 30 years - the current keeper has had it for six years - this E320 fits that mould. Finished in rare Bornite metallic and fitted with the highly regarded 3.2litre 215bhp M104 straight six, its calling card is its remarkable history file. Covering reams of invoices and receipts it shows a level of care and attention that is both quite incredible. It has even been the subject of a lengthy feature in Classic Mercedes magazine.
The history shows continuous servicing - irrespective of mileage - through its life, most recently in May 2024. In recent years further investment has been applied to the engine, gearbox, suspension and electrics totalling over £7,000. In April 2024 over £2,000 was expended on bodywork improvements. The result is a car that arrives on the market in very good order.
This is a very well cared for car with few signs of its 30 years. It is ready to use and enjoy.
The History and Paperwork
First registered 18th January 1994
Factory built in December 1993
Original UK market car
Only six registered keepers in 30 years
Acquired by the current keeper in September 2018
Factory handbooks and wallet in good condition
2 keys
Huge history file which can be inspected in the photographs
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 2024 with no advisories and 127,085 miles in test
Notable recent maintenance:
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 no obvious corrosion or deterioration
Sills, arches, panels and underside present well with no MOT structural advisories
Straight bodywork with no accident damage to see or reported
There are some minor signs of age to paintwork such as light scuffs to see in photos
Retains its 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
The patination includes 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 its original factory radio cassette unit
Tidy boot area with tools and spare wheel with Hankook tyre
The Mechanics
M104 3,199cc straight six 215bhp 24V engine
5 speed automatic gearbox - preferential to the earlier, less reliable 4 speed
Full service history to May 2024
Car has covered less than 500 miles since last service
£7,000 invested across mechanical and running gear since 2021
Vast history file which we recommend inspecting in the photographs
No mechanical or running gear advisories on current MOT
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
