The W124 has become one of the defining Mercedes-Benz saloons of its era, combining understated Bruno Sacco-era styling with the solid engineering and restrained luxury for which the marque’s executive cars became known. Introduced in the mid-1980s, the range was offered with an unusually broad choice of engines, with the six-cylinder 260 E occupying an appealing position between the four-cylinder models and the more powerful 300 E.

Powered by Mercedes-Benz’s naturally aspirated 2.6-litre M103 inline-six, this 1989 example pairs smooth six-cylinder power with a four-speed automatic transmission. In period specification, the 260 E produced around 160PS, or approximately 158bhp, making it particularly well suited to the W124’s refined, long-legged character.

Finished in Diamond Blue over light grey chequered Mercedes-Benz cloth, this example has had just two owners from new. The first purchased the car from Mercedes-Benz dealer Geyfords in London on 29 November 1989 and retained it until his death, after which it was sold in 2019 to its second owner in Dublin. It is now offered following the passing of that owner.

Its history is a particularly strong aspect of the car, with numerous service stamps from Mercedes-Benz main dealers and marque specialists in London and Dublin, supported by a substantial file of receipts, its original service book and maintenance literature. The car retains its original Blaupunkt radio cassette player and has covered approximately 85,000 miles.

The seller describes the Mercedes as driving very well and remaining in strong mechanical condition, while the cabin has also been particularly well preserved. There are several age-related cosmetic and electrical items to address, including areas of paint and lacquer wear, an inoperative electric sunroof and rear windows, but these sit alongside unusually complete provenance and remarkably limited ownership.

With just two custodians across more than three decades, extensive service documentation and a fresh Irish NCT valid until 2028, this 260 E offers the sort of continuous history that can be increasingly difficult to find among surviving W124s.

Service History

11/25 – 84,640 miles – Smith Automotive Service Centre
11/22 – 84,505 miles – Smith Automotive Service Centre
11/17 – 82,638 miles – MercServices Mercedes-Benz Specialist
10/16 – 80,773 miles – MercServices Mercedes Specialist
10/15 – 78,954 miles – MercServices Mercedes Specialist
04/14 – 76,875 miles – MercServices Mercedes Specialist
11/13 – 74,380 miles – MercServices Mercedes Specialist
10/12 – 71,866 miles – MercServices Mercedes Specialist
10/11 – 69,667 miles – MercServices Mercedes Specialist
10/10 – 67,885 miles – MercServices Mercedes Specialist
11/09 – 65,292 miles – MercServices Mercedes Specialist
11/08 – 63,123 miles – MercServices Mercedes Specialist
11/07 – 59,738 miles – MercServices Mercedes Specialist
10/05 – 53,707 miles – Mercedes-Benz Tooting
10/04 – 50,120 miles – Mercedes-Benz Tooting
10/03 – 45,937 miles – Mercedes-Benz Tooting
11/01 – 40,274 miles – Geyfords PLC
11/98 – 32,661 miles – Geyfords PLC
11/96 – 26,968 miles – Geyfords PLC
03/95 – 22,429 miles – Geyfords PLC
11/90 – 6,152 miles – Mercedes-Benz dealer, London
01/90 – 940 miles – Geyfords PLC

11/89 – Pre-delivery inspection – Geyfords PLC

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