1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E

A rare 500E, currently the property of Rowan Atkinson CBE

The ultimate "wolf in sheep's clothing". 322bhp, 354lb/ft, 0-60 in 5.6 secs, 162 mph

Just over 50,000 miles. Left-hand drive, automatic. Rare with cloth upholstery

Comprehensive service history as well as the original book pack and spare keys etc.

Featured and road-tested in the current (March 2018) 'Classic Car' magazine

Offered at 'No Reserve', this rare, hand-built, German super-saloon has an excellent pedigree

The ultimate "wolf in sheep's clothing" of the 1990s, the 500E saloon was built to rival the BMW M5. It was powered by the 5-litre V8 shared with the 500SL and featured upgraded brakes and suspension but offered no visible clues on the outside except for very slightly flared wheel arches, wider tyres and discreet side skirts. 60mph arrived in just 5 seconds and 100mph in just over 14 seconds, remarkable for a car with such 'stately' presence. It was only available as a (hand built) four-door saloon and in left-hand drive form, and the low production numbers rendered it an instant classic.

This particular car is the second 500E owned by renowned comedian, actor, and classic car enthusiast - Rowan Atkinson. He retained wonderful memories of his first 500E, bought new back in the 1990s, and always harboured a desire to own another one so, in 2015, he set about finding the very best example of the breed. He acquired this car because of its outstanding condition and also because it featured cloth upholstery which Rowan much prefers to the standard slippery leather finish.

Today, it has covered just 80,500 Kms which is about 50,000 miles. It comes with an owner's file which confirms a comprehensive service history as well as the original book pack and spare keys etc.

Topically, the car is featured in a comprehensive road test in the March 2018 edition of Classic Car magazine which will be available from the 24th Jan 2018, alongside his other left-hand drive four-door saloon - the Lancia Thema 8.32.

Offered at 'No Reserve', this rare, hand-built, German super-saloon has a distinguished past and an excellent pedigree and represents a fantastic entry into classic car ownership.