This is surely one of the last great examples of Mercedes’ much admired W124 generation. This UK supplied Mercedes E320 Cabriolet has covered a warranted 17,900 miles, has had just four owners from new and is finished in the timeless shade of Brilliant Silver Metallic, paired with a black hood, black leather interior and black wood trim inlays.

This example was supplied new to its lady owner via Mercedes-Benz of Whitefield on the 29th February 1996 who kept the car until 2005 where it changed hands having covered just 6,700 miles. During this time it was clearly cherished, kept garaged and serviced by local Mercedes main dealers. It then moved from Wakefield to its second owner in London, where it continued to be garaged and carefully maintained. Regular servicing and remedial work were carried out by the highly regarded Mercedes specialist Colin Ferns, most notably addressing the well known wiring loom issues during Mr Says’ ownership. Further specialist work was undertaken by Charles Ironside, who completed a major upgrade to the air conditioning system so it now runs on modern R134a refrigerant.

Looking through the comprehensive history file, it is particularly pleasing to see that the car was also owned by Charles Ironside himself. He was renowned for his collection of golden era Mercedes and had a genuine passion for the very best W124 examples. The car passed to its next owner in 2015 and was again carefully looked after, covering only a few thousand miles before being sold in 2023. It was then acquired by the current owner, a prominent collector with exacting standards. Shortly after purchase the car was sent to Acton Coachworks, where it was assessed and treated to a full repaint in its original shade of Brilliant Silver. The result is flawless paintwork throughout. Following this, the car went to Mercedes-Benz Brooklands for a full engine service, including a gearbox oil change, replacement of the front brake pads and rectification of an oil leak from the cylinder head cover.

It was only when the car arrived with me that I fully appreciated just how good this example is. The most recent owner has made my job easy by preparing the car to an exceptionally high standard, and it stands as one of the best sorted W124s I have encountered. A recent drive highlights just how much the Sportline option enhances the experience, adding a welcome sense of tautness without detracting from the relaxed, refined character you would expect from a mid-1990s E-Class Cabriolet. This is quite simply an outstanding low mileage example of what many regard as the high point of Mercedes-Benz history, a car that is genuinely usable and one that continues to improve with age.