1996 MERCEDES-BENZ (W124) E320 SPORTLINE CABRIOLET

KEY FACTS

• A stylish and collectible modern classic with the desirable Sportline chassis and trim upgrade from the factory.
• It is powered by the 217bhp 3.2-litre M104 straight-six engine, driving the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission.
• Just four keepers in total, and with low mileage for its age. The seller acquired the car almost six years ago.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• This E320 was specified from the factory with Sportline package, comprising the ‘sports chassis’ with a lower ride height, stiffer springs, uprated anti-roll bars and higher-grade bushes; plus the 15-inch eight-hole alloy wheels.
• The Sportline option also added the additional wood inlays, part-wood steering wheel, and trim-specific gear lever.
• Other equipment includes electrically adjustable and heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control.
• It is fitted with an aftermarket JVC stereo and CD player.
• Accompanying the car is the original owner’s manual, supplementary user guides, and the stamped service booklet. It also comes with the original tool kit, which is rare to find.

CONDITION

• The bodywork is reported to be in good condition, with the seller having commissioned AJ Dunlop Car Servicing to rectify minor corrosion with welding repairs to the inner front wings in 2018. Today, there is slight bubbling on the inside edge of the driver’s door along the shut panel, but no major blemishes.
• Its Brilliant Silver metallic paintwork is in generally excellent condition, with the seller noting a small mark on the left lower body panel behind the front tyre, plus some light superficial scratches and very small scuffs on the rear bumper.
• There are minor grazes and lacquer damage to the alloys, but overall they present very well.
• Its black soft top shows some slight fading, but the heated rear window is free of clouding.
• The full black leather upholstery is in great shape for its age, with only relatively minor signs of use and no heavy wear or discolouration.
• There are no known mechanical or electrical faults.
• The most recent MOT test was on 10 October 2020 at 73,241 miles, which resulted in a clean pass after two tyres were replaced.

SERVICE HISTORY

• Last given a basic service in October 2020, this was an oil and filter change carried out by AJ Dunlop Car Servicing at 73,241 miles, which also included two new tyres.
• Prior to this, the most recent service on file was in July 2013 at 65,305 miles, carried out by Pug1Off in Brackley.
• The car has averaged only around 1,000 miles per year during the most recent ownership, but is reported to be in good mechanical condition - supported by the recent clean MOT result.

Dates and mileage:

• 06/02/1996 - PDI
• 06/06/1996 - 1,823 miles
• 19/06/1997 - 5,961 miles
• 15/11/2000 - 17,902 miles
• 28/08/2001 - 18,766 miles
• 15/07/2002 - 22,797 miles
• 30/12/2008 - 51,473 miles
• 18/11/2011 - 61,801 miles
• 04/07/2013 - 65,305 miles
• 10/10/2020 - 73,241 miles

SUMMARY

This Mercedes-Benz E320 Sportline Cabriolet is a low-mileage example of a sought-after 1990s cruiser. The W124 series has famously impressive build quality and typically excellent reliability, and the Sportline chassis on this car endows it with more rewarding handling. With just four keepers from new, it has seen sparing use over the last seven years in particular, and is now offered to another enthusiast to enjoy, just in time to make the most of the summer weather.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.