Mercedes-Benz S320 Saloon

Ten years and over $1bn in development time and costs, the W140 Series Mercedes was finally launched in 1991 and introduced innovations such as double-pane window glazing, power-assisted closing for doors and boot lid, electric windows which lowered back down upon encountering an obstruction, sonar-assisted parking and a heating system which, if desired, continued to emit warm air after the engine was turned off.

For details like this, the W140 is often known as the last Mercedes to be 'over-engineered', a Mercedes trait that was costing the company in product delays and overbudgeting. Available as either a saloon or a coupe, it came with a choice of engines ranging from a 2.8-litre straight-six to a mighty 6-litre V12. It remained in production until 1999 with a styling face-lift in 1994.

First registered in February 1998, this particular S320 Saloon has the 24-valve 3.2-litre straight-six engine producing some 228bhp, sufficient to propel it to a top speed of 140mph. Looking most eye-catching in Tourmaline Green with a cream leather interior, it has had just three former owners and has covered only 76,000 miles with eight service stamps to date, the last less than 1,000 miles ago. Apparently the car was kept at a holiday home on the Isle of Man for several years, hence the low mileage.

The vendor states that the car is in ‘exceptional’ condition throughout with a particularly fine interior and superb body panels. Equipment includes climate control, sunroof, electric windows, CD player, alloy wheels, inflatable electric lumbar support in the electrically adjustable seats and an alarm/immobiliser. With an MOT until December and said to drive beautifully, this is a huge amount of car for the money, especially when you consider that it cost almost £60,000 when new!