1996 Mercedes-Benz E 220 Cabriolet

Lot details
Registration No: N39 MGA
Chassis No: WDB1240622C280167
Mot Expiry: Oct 2012

Launched in 1985 as a replacement for the successful and long-running W123 series, the mid-size Mercedes-Benz W124 range built on its predecessor's reputation for thorough design and meticulous construction, while adding a welcome dash of driver appeal to the recipe. The model's typically sophisticated design of multi-link rear suspension resulted in an excellent handling/ride compromise, while its drag coefficient of 0.28 was one of the lowest of any car on sale at the time. It also featured many items of advanced technology - eg its single windscreen wiper with eccentric pivot, and its exhaust oxygen sensor. The line-up of petrol engines ranged in size from 2.0 to 5.0-litres and diesel ones from 2.0 to 3.0-litres. Though initially only available in Saloon guise, the offering was gradually expanded to include an Estate and Coupe. The two-door Cabriolet was the final addition, being offered with 3.2-litre (E320) six-cylinder engine from 1991. A 2.2-litre (E220) version was added to the mix two years later. The pair remained in production long after their Saloon and Estate siblings had been replaced by the new W210, ie until the launch of the CLK Cabriolet in 1998. The E220's engine produced some 148bhp and 155lbft of torque - sufficient to power the Cabriolet version to 62mph in around 11 seconds and on to a top speed of some 125mph. The Cabriolets sold well throughout production, being almost unique in the market as full four-seaters.

'N39 MGA' is an unmodified right-hand drive E220 Cabriolet manufactured in 1996 and equipped with automatic transmission. It has Dark Blue bodywork allied to a Tan leather interior. The Mercedes has evidently had just five owners to date and is believed to have covered relatively few miles in its early years. History from 2006 shows usage then increased and the vendor has sustained the pattern of regular mileage and maintenance since acquiring the car three and a half years ago. He regards the bodywork, trim, engine and transmission as "excellent" and the paintwork as "good" and considers the hood to be "like new". The Cabriolet is offered for sale with a year's MOT and comprehensive history file from 2006, including service invoices.