- Exterior: Pearl Black Metallic
- Interior: Black Leather
- Engine: 3.0 liter inline-6
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic
- Mileage: 49,825 miles
- VIN: WDBEA51D6MB393383
- Price: SOLD
1991 Mercedes-Benz 300CE Pillarless Coupe
This is a superb low-mileage example of the rare W124 coupe. It has been a California car from new and has been meticulously maintained. It has tons of service records, and the complete original manual pack. All components work properly (even the seatbelt presenters) and the car is ready to enjoy.
This car is in Monterey, CA
The Model
Introduced for the 1986 model year, the W124 represented a pronounced technological advance for Mercedes-Benz, and was the first modern E-Class. Featuring a multilink rear suspension design and a very low Cd, electronic fuel injection, and a host of safety features (such as airbags and ABS), the cars represented Mercedes’ traditional values of innovation and engineering. The cars also embodied another longtime Mercedes value, legendary build quality, and indeed many base model sedans were used as taxis in Europe, covering nearly intergalactic mileage. At the opposite end of the spectrum from these base models was the 300CE. Built in limited numbers and available at a hefty premium over the sedan, the 300CE represented the continuation of a long line of elegant pillarless coupes built by Mercedes, and were of course highly specified. Also worth noting is that beginning in 1990, the 300CE received a 24-valve cylinder head which substantially boosted power from 177hp to 217hp.
Today, these cars are appreciated for their embodiment of the legendary Mercedes build quality and are recognized as among the last of the old-style cars that still retain the immense, and yes, even bank-like solidity that saw Mercedes automobiles regularly running to five hundred thousand (and more) miles.
History
This particular example, however, has covered a mere 49,825 miles from new, all of which is documented and substantiated by the service documentation dating to when the car was new. The car was sold new to an elderly woman in Santa Barbara with 20 miles on it on the 27th of December 1990. The car remained in the area until April of 2009. There is a sheaf of records with the car showing that she had the car regularly serviced a the dealer, to include the throttle cable bushing recall and resealing the valve cover and cylinder head front cover in 1993 when the car had about 10,000 miles. Other service work includes fastidious regular maintenance.
Condition
Cosmetically, this car is in wonderfully preserved original condition, just as one would expect from such a low-mileage pampered car. The paintwork appears to be original, and is excellent, with wonderful luster and depth. The car was not detailed for these photographs; simply washed. The panels fit superbly and are arrow straight, and the doors shut with the tremendous solidity that used to characterize Mercedes-Benz products but is now sadly gone. There is a hanful of small scratches, and one scrape on the front right bumper. The glass and lights are excellent, while the limited amount of chrome is very nice as well. The wheels are undamaged but show very slight deterioration to the finish.
The interior is also very nice, with an excellent crack-free dashboard. The leather upholstery is in excellent shape, as are the carpets. The instruments and switches are in equally nice shape, and the electrical systems appear to work. The air conditioning blows ice cold, and even the seatbelt presenters work properly! The cigarette lighter has never been used, nor has the ashtray. An Alpine CD player has been installed. The wood is very good, though there are some cracks to the finish in the left door filet and center console only. The remaining wood is excellent, and the first aid kit is still present in the rear compartment. The engine compartment and trunk are both in unaltered and tidy condition. Everything is as it should be, with the spare and jack still in place in the trunk. The carpet is in excellent condition.
The car is a true pleasure to drive. It is extremely relaxing, yet also extremely composed. It cruises effortlessly and happily at 80mph, while the open air experience provided by the pillarless configuration and sunroof make for a delightful experience. The brakes are effective, the transmission shifts properly, and the engine makes good power.
This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a collector quality low-mileage W124 coupe. Fitted with the desirable 24-valve engine, this car also has known California history from new and is superbly documented. It is extremely complete with service records and full manual pack, including service booklet indicating that the next service is due at 52,500 miles. The car still wears its original California license plates even. With these cars being so durable, most of them have racked up considerable mileage, making this a particularly rare opportunity.
Photos
