The W124 is widely acknowledged as one of the last “proper” Mercedes-Benzes, built in a tradition of build quality over anything else.
The Estate versions – officially known as the S124 - are legendary, offering a great combination of practicality and understatement, as well as exceptional comfort.
The S124 is a very satisfying ownership proposition, being perhaps the most highly regarded variant of the most widely admired car Mercedes-Benz ever made, lauded for its bulletproof build quality and timeless design.
This one is a remarkable car. Unlike many S124s, which by definition live a hard life, it was mollycoddled in its early years and more recently has been owned by a Benz enthusiast who partially restored it.
It’s a lovely, comfortable and extremely practical car that makes the perfect family classic.IMG_1528.JPG4.8 MB
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Original service book stamped to 100k
Original owners’ manuals and booklets
The S124 was supplied new by Drake and Fletcher, the Mercedes-Benz main dealer in Maidstone, Kent. It was owned for 21 years by the same family and kept and maintained initially by Drake and Fletcher and later on by an independent Mercedes-Benz specialist, also in Kent. The service book was stamped every year until 2016.
It then passed on to a second owner who didn’t have it long, before being purchased by the third owner in 2017.
Also included with the car are several original booklets and papers from when it was new. IMG_1609.JPG4.84 MB
THE INTERIOR
Seven-seater
Enormous boot
Original Blaupunkt stereo
Very smart and clean
Original first aid kit and tools
The simplicity of the cabin is a reminder of how little equipment even high-end premium cars had in the early 1990s, the one stalk meaning you can drive in style, one hand on the wheel. It’s comfy, though, and the original Blaupunkt radio-cassette is still there.
It’s all in good, clean order, the only minor issue being wear to the driver’s side seat bolster – a very common issue with 124-Series models.
At the business end, the wagon has 530 litres of stowage with the rear seats up and 1770 litres with them lowered, while the rear bench seat folds out of the way and into the floor unless required. When in use, it offers genuine seven-seat practicality. IMG_1566.JPG6.48 MB
THE EXTERIOR
Unusual colour scheme
New wings and partial respray
Dinitrol rustproof treatment
New bumpers, mounts and spring hanger repairs
The Smoke Silver over Mussel Grey colour scheme is certainly unusual, but it’s exactly as it left the factory, the only deviation from standard being the alloy wheels which are from a later-model C-Class but are still genuine Mercedes-Benz items.
The previous keeper replaced both front wings, which are commonly frilly on W124s, and also carried out repairs to the rear arches, floor pans, bumpers, bumper mounts and subframe spring hanger areas, all of which have been Dinitrol-protected to keep future problems at bay and ensure the 124 is set for another quarter-of-a-century’s worth of service. IMG_1518.JPG4.32 MB
THE MECHANICS
2.0-litre 136bhp four-cylinder
Four-speed automatic transmission
Genuine mileage
Well-maintained
The 136bhp four-pot engine hardly makes the 124 a rocket ship, but it’s a smooth and refined powerplant renowned for its longevity.
It certainly run well in this example and has been regularly serviced with both its original owners and the enthusiast who has added a further 29,000 miles to the clock since 2017, showing that the car has been regularly used.
It’s a little bit jerky when engaging reverse, which isn’t uncommon on these transmissions and rarely leads to any problems. The vendor reports that it is otherwise a great car to drive – relaxed, unfussy and very, very comfortable.
SUMMARY
If you’re looking for a classic car that you can justify owning, then here it is – a car with timeless elegance and appeal that’s as happy doing the tip run as it is ferrying the in-laws around, while exuding class and nostalgic appeal.
The perfect dual-purpose classic that you can justify with your head as well as your heart.
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