1993 Mercedes-Benz E320 Cabriolet
Totally original, complete with its original bill of sale

The Mercedes-Benz W124 Cabriolet has become one of the most desirable modern classics from the marque's celebrated period of engineering. Combining elegant four-seat open-top motoring with the refinement, build quality and durability for which Mercedes-Benz became renowned, good original examples are increasingly sought after.

L260 JEE is a particularly appealing 1993 E320 Cabriolet that stands out for its remarkably original condition and excellent accompanying provenance.

Finished in silver with a contrasting blue hood, the car retains a wonderfully period appearance. The interior is especially noteworthy, retaining its distinctive original blue patterned cloth upholstery, blue dashboard and trim, burr walnut veneer and period Mercedes-Benz equipment. It is refreshingly unaltered and presents as a remarkably authentic example of an early W124 Cabriolet.

The odometer currently displays 82,511 miles, with the accompanying documentation providing an extensive record of the car's mileage throughout its life. Historic MOT records include 19,810 miles in 1996, 24,200 in 1997, 28,976 in 1998, 34,850 in 2000, 39,321 in 2001, 43,886 in 2002, 47,898 in 2003, 50,832 in 2004, 54,756 in 2005, 58,354 in 2006, 62,359 in 2007 and 67,444 in 2008, continuing through to 78,141 miles in 2014.

Its service history is equally comprehensive. According to the accompanying records, the car received its pre-delivery inspection on 12th October 1993, followed by main dealer servicing at 1,338 miles, 8,395 miles, 15,442 miles and 18,162 miles. Further main dealer and independent maintenance is recorded throughout its life, including a cylinder-head gasket replacement at 56,241 miles in 2005.

Of particular interest is the original supplying dealer invoice from Alexandra Motors (Grimsby) Limited. Dated October 1993, it records the supply of this very Mercedes-Benz E320 Cabriolet, identifying both registration L260 JEE and chassis number WDB1240662C038849. The documentation shows a total invoice figure approaching £50,000 when new, illustrating the considerable cost and status of the E320 Cabriolet in period.

The current V5 is present and records five former keepers, while the history file also contains historic documentation and multiple original keys.

Powered by Mercedes-Benz's smooth 3.2-litre straight-six engine coupled to an automatic transmission, the E320 Cabriolet was conceived as a refined open-top grand tourer rather than an outright sports car. More than three decades later, that character remains central to its appeal.

L260 JEE is therefore an increasingly difficult proposition to replicate: a highly original, UK-supplied W124 Cabriolet with sensible mileage, a beautifully preserved period interior and an unusually comprehensive history file extending back to its original bill of sale.

A highly original and beautifully preserved example of the desirable Mercedes-Benz E320 Cabriolet. With 82,511 miles displayed, extensive service and MOT history, multiple original keys and its original Mercedes-Benz bill of sale, L260 JEE possesses the provenance collectors increasingly look for in a W124. Its wonderfully period silver and blue specification only adds to the appeal of what is an increasingly sought-after modern classic.

Summary