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1996 MERCEDES-BENZ (C140) CL420

A handsome pillarless coupe with robust build quality, this 1996 Mercedes-Benz CL420 is powered by a smooth 275bhp 4.2-litre V8 paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It is finished in Green Black Metallic over a smart beige leather interior, and has covered 90,400 miles from new.

First registered in May 1996, the car was purchased by the current owner around three years ago, and he has since covered around 7,000 miles on the road. This is the second C140-series car the seller has owned, chosen due to its build quality and robust V8 engine, and he is now offering the car to another enthusiast as he has purchased a saloon variant of a similar age.

The deep Green Black Metallic paintwork is in good condition with some minor defects. There are stone chips to the front bumper and a scuff from a car cover, and some further paint chips along the flanks. The driver’s side fog lamp is cracked and is on back order, and there is a minor scratch to the boot lid. The seller advises that both front wheels – which are the correct 18-inch Ronal ‘Eltanin’ mono-block items – would benefit from refurbishment.

Moving inside, the beige leather is a fine pairing with the dark exterior and is in generally very good order with only modest wear. However, the seller notes a couple of small hairline splits in the driver’s seat cover. There is also some loose thread on the steering wheel stitching, and a scuff on the passenger side of the centre console. The glovebox lid mechanism is also intermittently slow to open.

As is to be expected from a Mercedes-Benz of this era, the interior is highly finished with additional leather trim and fine wood accents. It boasts a raft of create comforts, including dual-zone climate control, heated memory seats, an electric sunroof, electric windows and headrests, and cruise control. This example also retains the original Mercedes-Benz stereo, cassette player and CD changer. The seller reports that the rear 12-volt socket and driver’s door mirror motor are not currently working.

The car was most recently serviced in March 2018 by Mercedes-Benz specialist Automotive Solutions in Ayr. This comprised renewal of the engine oil and filter, fresh spark plugs, as well as fuel, air and dust filters. The two prior visits to this were in July 2016 and in August 2013, as stamped in the service book.

Other notable maintenance work includes the reconditioning of the transmission and torque converter unit in July 2017 at gearbox specialist Mackie in Glasgow. Two new and genuine OEM front wings have been fitted to rectify some localised corrosion. The exhaust system has also been upgraded in the past, with dual oval tail pipes.

The car was last put through an MOT test on 25 March 2020 at 90,382 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass, noting deteriorated front ball joint dust covers as defects needing repair, and with an advisory for some corrosion to the rigid brake pipes.

Accompanying the car is the original book wallet, housing the owner’s manual, stamped guarantee and maintenance record, and the stereo handbook, and other user guides. Two keys are also present, as well as numerous old service receipts. Throughout the seller’s ownership the car has been kept off the road in storage during winter, and has had the oil renewed by him both before and after it goes back on the road each season.

With the common mechanical and corrosion-related issues addressed, this CL420 is a rare and refined cruiser in very good condition throughout. Its stylish pillarless design is complemented by a luxurious cabin, and it is sure to impress the next owner with its power, presence and comfort.

Summary of service history: