** This listing is part of our Collection Edition 2 Preview event taking place on Saturday, 14th March. Register to attend here. **
Highlights
- Best Cabriolet in Show 2009 in Cape Town
- Best in Show 2012 at Mercedes-Benz meet at the Factory East London SA
- Current keeper since 2005 when bought in the USA
- Attractive burgundy metallic over red leather
- Zertifikat of authenticity from Mercedes-Benz Club USA
- Restoration by specialists Auto Haus
- Features a concealed sophisticated Sound System (under the driver’s seat)
- UK road registered, used sparingly
The Appeal
The W128 was only for the rich. Its handsome, chrome-adorned ‘Ponton’ styling was aimed squarely at the American market, where it cost considerably more than a contemporary - and much, much larger - Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz. Where the Caddy was all glitz, the W128 was understated glamour.
Just 1,112 of the essentially hand-built cabriolet left the works, all equipped with the fuel-injected M127 2.2-liter 115 hp straight six engine and a 4spd manual box. This car is one of the last built from the short two-year production run, and it is a fine advertisement for these beautifully detailed cars. Finished in burgundy metallic with extensive chromework and a matching red leather cabin, its condition is the result of restoration by a well-regarded specialist.
The car was purchased by our vendor in 2005 in the USA , who imported it to his residence in South Africa. Here the car was subject to a restoration by marque specialist Auto Haus. The engine was overhauled in 2008 by the SA Mercedes-Benz Mechanic. Invoices included.
The car won Best Cabriolet of Show in Cape Town in 2009, along with a Best in Show at the Mercedes-Benz meet at the Factory in East London SA in 2012.
In 2023 our vendor decided to import the car to his London residence. The car carries a UK registration and V5. The tyres were replaced with new Michelins in 2024. The car was serviced with oil/filters changed by specialists in London in 2025. It has been used sparingly and cared for as part of a UK collection, and still presents in very good order indeed.
The car was purchased by our vendor in 2005 in the USA , who imported it to his residence in South Africa. Here the car was subject to a restoration by marque specialist Auto Haus. The engine was overhauled in 2008 by the SA Mercedes-Benz Mechanic. Invoices included.
The car won Best Cabriolet of Show in Cape Town in 2009, along with a Best in Show at the Mercedes-Benz meet at the Factory in East London SA in 2012.
In 2023 our vendor decided to import the car to his London residence. The car carries a UK registration and V5. The tyres were replaced with new Michelins in 2024. The car was serviced with oil/filters changed by specialists in London in 2025. It has been used sparingly and cared for as part of a UK collection, and still presents in very good order indeed.
History & Paperwork
- First registered in 1960
- Purchased by our vendor in the USA in 2005
- UK importation documents
- Export Florida certificate of title included
- Restored by Autohaus
- Chassis number 12803010003391
- Some spares included as shown
- UK V5C
- Trickle charger and car cover included
The Condition
- Restored by Auto Haus in burgundy metallic in c2006-2008.
- Paintwork presents very well with some minor age points to note in photos
- These include panel edge chips, chips to the sill and other light marks shown in photos
- Bodywork in very good order with straight, flush-fitting panels as shown
- Extensive bright chromework in good general condition
- Some minor tarnish to note to chrome bumpers and base of the bonnet mascot
- Red leather interior in very good order with factory-correct fittings
- Four-seat layout with light and minor age to note the seats highlighted in photos
- Carpets in matching red with minor deterioration shown in photos
- Attractive wood, chrome and painted dashboard in very good condition
- Car retains its Bakelite steering wheel, showing light age and cracking
- Correct Becker Mexico radio fitted (untested)
- Banded white wall tyres with matching spare
- Black folding fabric roof in very good condition and working order
The full-width ‘Ponton’ body was a radical departure for Mercedes-Benz when it arrived in 1953 with the W120. Over 70 years on, it has matured into a typically timeless piece of post-war Mercedes design.
The six-cylinder W128 cabriolet is arguably the prettiest of the Ponton body styles, an imposing yet handsome shape that avoids the superfluousness that tended to plague its contemporary American rivals. This car’s burgundy metallic paintwork, the result of a carful Auto Haus restoration, neatly accents the car’s extensive chromework and suits the red leather interior.
Beyond the understated lines, any W128 interior is a masterclass of design, focused around the chrome, wood and painted dashboard. Details about and in this car are in great condition.
There are a few minor points to note in the photos, but nothing that doesn’t require close inspection to spot.
The Mechanics
- 2.2-liter (2,195cc) fuel injected M127 straight six 115hp engine
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- The tyres were relaced with new Michelins in 2024.
- The car was serviced with oil/filters changed by specialists in London in 2025.
The W128 got Mercedes’ M180 engine in fuel-injected form, known as the M127. This new-fangled technology pushed the 2.2L straight six’s performance to 115 hp, making it more than a match for the lumbering Detroit V8s. Here it is matched to a four-speed column gearbox.
** Interested parties should note this lot is currently on view near Winchester, Hampshire. Vehicles must be collected by 28th March 2026 (subject to payment of the lots). From 28th March, vehicle storage charges apply to the buyer.
Charges: £ 14 + VAT for the first 14 days. Thereafter, £ 50 + VAT per car per week.
Buyers should satisfy themselves that they have collected all relevant log books, documents and keys relating to their lot(s) at the time of collection. **
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 fee. 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..
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 fee. 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..
