1993 Mercedes-Benz E320 Sportline Cabriolet

This handsome cabriolet has seemingly enjoyed a well cared for life, providing high-class and comfortable enjoyment to four former keepers over around 102,000 miles. It is thought that one of these keeper changes may, in fact, represent a change of personal registration plate rather than a change of owner. The E320 was supplied new in September 2009 and underwent its preliminary inspection at Alan Day Mercedes in London. The car was then regularly maintained by Alan Day right up until around 43,000 miles, enjoying six services during that period.

It is understood from a build sheet that the car left the Zuffenhausen factory finished in Almandine Red Metallic paintwork. However at some point during its life, it may have undergone a highly professional colour change to Midnight Blue Metallic in fact the quality of it's finish and the lack of any evidence that we can see of the Almandine Red paintwork could possibly suggest that the original build sheet is incorrect and it has always been Midnight Blue we will let you decide as it really is very good indeed. This classy colourway appears too. This classy colourway appears to have been fully refreshed again in 2020 resulting in the excellent presentation the Cabriolet offers today.

This Cabriolet is a Sportline model which offers a raft of desirable enhancements over lowlier models. These consist of a quick ratio steering rack and a smaller diameter steering wheel. "Sportline" badges adorn the front wing mouldings and the leather gear knob. The ride height is lowered by around 21mm and the specially tuned suspension includes shorter, 20% stiffer springs, struts, anti-roll bars, and bushes.

This example also features a host of AMG adornments. These include an “AMG” inscribed front spoiler and full side skirts. There is also a rear, under bumper bib and the AMG additions are perfectly rounded off with the twin chromed tail pipes and the sublime 18-inch Monoblock alloy wheels.

The E320 Cabriolet has always cut a sophisticated dash and this example adds more than a modicum of sporting flair to the recipe with its AMG body kit, Sportline badges and lower stance. It is surprising and pleasing how effectively these additions enhance the road presence of this car without diluting its familiar traits too much. The slightly raked signature Mercedes grill and oblong headlights presenting a handsome and familiar “face.”

The design of the A124 was deftly handled by Bruno Sacco, Joseph Gallitzendörfer and Peter Pfeiffer. They collaborated to deliver a distinctive yet reassuringly familiar design that was also incredibly aerodynamic, greatly benefitting fuel consumption and refinement. This car’s W123 predecessor delivered a drag coefficient of around 0.44. The W124 range, meanwhile, achieved a lowly 0.29 to 0.32. Quite a feat.

This example appears to present very well indeed. The attractive blue colourway exudes a deep and lustrous shine which is conducive to a full restoration of the paint and bodywork in 2020. The body coloured “Sacco” panels on the car’s flanks integrate very nicely with the AMG body kit endowing the car with a streamlined look.

The AMG, Monoblock 18-inch alloys wheels are in great overall condition and are fitted with quality 225/40 Goodyear EFFI Grip tyres. These were fitted new in September 2020 at around 102,000 miles, meaning they have covered less than 500 miles or so since.

The black fabric roof contrasts nicely with the deep blue paintwork and appears to be in decent condition with just the odd minor fold mark and scuff in evidence. Our photographer has captured a small hole in the nearside rear three-quarter of the hood that doesn’t appear to penetrate the lining. There is plenty of A124 quirky charm in evidence too, such as the different sized wing mirrors and the single arm, eccentric sweep wiper paired with the obligatory Mercedes heated washer nozzles. Very thorough!

This sumptuously appointed sanctuary of a cabin is generously trimmed in the Mercedes cream / beige (265) shade of soft leather. Like the exterior, there appears to be little to fault in here. The box pleated front seats feature perforated centre panels and are electrically adjustable via the familiar A124 door mounted controls.

The rear cabin is fitted with individual rear seats which are separated by a folding armrest. The rear headrests retract to improve visibility and storage is taken care of by elasticated pockets in the back of the front seats. The useful mesh wind deflector is present and does contain a small hole in one panel. The dashboard is finished in black and cream with accents of dark wood veneer separating them and continuing down into the centre console. A modern Sony Bluetooth head unit is fitted.

The carpets present in excellent condition and have been protected by heavy-duty, dark blue carpets mats. As our photographs and video aptly document, the engineering masterpiece of a hood works exactly as it should. With 27 linkage parts and 34 joints, this big hood occupies just 80 litres when folded. This helps retain a proper four-seater cabin as well as a generous boot. The boot is neatly trimmed in beige carpet and a full-sized alloy spare wheel is present, although of a differing design and appearing a little unkempt, together with jack, tools and the original, boot-lid-mounted warning triangle.

This cabriolet is fitted with the respected 3,199cc straight-six M104 petrol engine. Many first-time drivers comment on the smooth and usefully powerful character of this engine. Originally rated at 217 bhp and 229 Ib-ft of torque, power is fed to the rear wheels via a smooth shifting, four-speed automatic gearbox. The under-bonnet presentation appears to be excellent, too, which is often a reassuring sign of a much loved and well cared for example.

The underside of the car appears to be in reasonable condition and its current, advisory free MOT would suggest that there is nothing here to trouble an MOT tester. A new owner may wish to further improve the car by getting the underside professionally cleaned and re-undersealed to further improve the longevity of this modern classic.

That well cared for impression can be further verified by the very full-service history of this example. We noted a total of, no less than, fourteen services in the duplicate service book. The early life of the car seems to have been entrusted to Alan Day Mercedes of Hampstead, London. Its later needs were predominantly attended to by P & S Motors, an independent Mercedes Benz specialist.

Given this diligent and expert maintenance schedule, it will come as no surprise that the Cabriolet is reported as starting, running, and stopping as well as we have come to expect from these superbly engineered cars. Our video will also reveal that those AMG tail pipes help endow this Cabriolet with a really burbling and purposeful exhaust note too.

As alluded to previously, this cabriolet comes with an extensive paperwork archive providing some valuable provenance and validating the mileage history. This includes the current V5 and MOT in hard copy. The latter is advisory free and showing validity until May 2023. There are several previous MOT’s on hand too, further documenting the linear mileage history.

The original book pack is present including the duplicate service book. The last service dates from September 2020 at 101,960 miles. This is less than 500 miles ago and was completed for a cost of £650. There are numerous invoices present covering most periods of the car’s history too.

The A124 represents the pinnacle of 1990’s automotive engineering values, so this car has, no doubt, got much more life in it and many more adventures in prospect. This is one of those rare Cabriolets that sacrifices very little over its tin-topped counterparts and has become a by word for sophistication, comfort, and engineering prowess that very few other cars can offer at such an attainable price point.

This example seems to have been sensibly and carefully used. Its recent exterior refresh combined with its Sportline, and AMG enhancements really help lift it above the, already high, standards of most others available today. The records suggest this car has covered less than 20,000 miles in the last 15 years and a service book awash with stamps is suggestive of a car that will provide its new owner with enjoyment, reliability and quality in equal measure.

We estimate this car to reach between £15,000 - £20,000 in auction.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located in Guildford, Surrey. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.