1994 Mercedes-Benz E 320 Cabriolet

Lot details
Registration No: K20 LLA
Chassis No: WDB1240662C123177
Mot Expiry: March 2011

The lineage of Daimler-Benz's range of executive-sized cars now commonly known as 'E-Class' can be traced all the way back to the W120 'Ponton' of 1953. The now common 'E' nomenclature first appeared in the '70s. It was then used as a suffix in relation to the engines, and stood for Einspritz (fuel injection) - eg 230E. It was not until the facelifted W124 cars of the '90s, however, that the E first stood for E-Klasse (E-Class) and was used as a prefix - eg E220. Introduced in 1984, the W124 range was built to last and thousands can be found in everyday use today. Petrol engines ranged in size from 2.0 to 5.0-litres and diesel ones from 2.0 to 3.0-litres. Body options comprised: Saloon, Coupe, Estate and Cabriolet. When introduced, the model's drag coefficient of 0.28 was one of the lowest of any car on sale and the range featured many items of advanced technology - eg its single windscreen wiper with eccentric pivot, and its exhaust oxygen sensor. The Cabriolet variant was launched in 1991 and offered with either 2.2 (E220) or 3.2 (E320) petrol engines until 1997. As the name suggests, the Sportline option package endowed the model with a more sporting look and feel and included: special seats, wider wheels shod with lower profile tyres, a quicker ratio steering rack and a slightly lower ride height. The key to its taughter handling lay in the specially tuned suspension that comprised shorter, stiffer springs and upgraded struts, anti-roll bars and bushes.

The righthand drive E320 Sportline Convertible being offered was built in 1994 and is equipped with automatic transmission. It is finished in metallic blue complemented by a navy leather interior. We understand that 'K20 LLA' has had only two owners from new, the last of whom retained it for five years. The Mercedes is now ready for a new home and MOT'd into March 2011. The vendor describes this E320 as "possibly the nicest available today" and informs us that the pale blue metallic paintwork and dark blue leather trim are both in "show condition". He rates the engine, transmission, bodywork and electrical equipment all as "A1" and the chassis as "very good". Few such full-size sports convertibles have been made in recent years, irrespective of the manufacturer. That alone makes such Mercedes a sought-after proposition - especially when combined with the company's acknowledged build quality of the period.