1993 Mercedes-Benz E320 Cabriolet (W124)

Background:

The CE Cabriolet was one of the E-Class range built by Mercedes-Benz between 1984 and 1997, based on the W124 platform. These were generally accepted to be the last of the German company’s cars that were built to the most exacting engineering standards, before the cost-cutters took over. They regularly delivered 300,000-plus miles and were colloquially-known in Germany as Panzerwagens. Much of its engineering and features were advanced at the time, but became adopted throughout the industry.  More than 2,500,000 were built.

Models included a saloon, an estate, a coupé, a two-seater roadster and a limousine. The cabriolet was a genuine four-seater with electric soft top roof and the legendary 3.2-litre straight-six engine, delivering 220bhp for a 150mph top speed and effortless long-distance cruising.  As it was only produced between 1992 and 1996, the cabriolet is one of the rarest models. Nearly all were automatics, giving relaxed driving yet immediate overtaking power when required.

The car:

This 320CE cabriolet was built in 1994, but not registered with DVLA till 2004, as it was originally supplied to its first owner in Hong Kong. This full UK-spec vehicle has had eight owners since UK-registration and it seems that all have maintained the car meticulously, as there is a thick folder of receipts and invoices.

One owner was a Mercedes-Benz Club member and in 2010, at around 110,000 miles, he had the car totally refurbished to show in club events, winning many prizes. This work focussed on returning the body, interior and powertrain to their very best condition and included a respray in Almandine Red, the removal and re-connolising of the beige/mushroom leather interior, recolouring of the soft top, refurbishment of the alloy wheels, removal and reconditioning of the cylinder head, the fitting of a new viscous fan and the rebuilding of the steering box. 

The previous owner bought the car in 2021 to take part in the North Coast 500, the ultimate road trip round the North of Scotland and he had it fully prepped for this run, including new brakes and shock absorbers and four Pirelli Cinturato P1 tyres, fitted in July 2021, all still showing near full tread.

The present owner bought the car to use, however a change in their circumstances has prevented this from happening as planned therefore has taken the decision for somebody else to enjoyed this splendid motor car. Some recent work he has had done is the fitting of a new radiator, because there was a pin-hole leak from the plastic take-off spigot on the top.

There are numerous invoices from Mercedes-Benz Manchester for genuine parts and components used during the restoration of this stunning Cabriolet in the history folder, as well as past MOT Certificates and invoices from 2004 onwards, an original sales brochure and a pouch containing the owners manuals.

Summary:

This Mercedes-Benz beauty offers head-turning soft top motoring with comfort and performance to spare

Location: Berkshire

Seller: Private

Photography: Professional