Mercedes-Benz 300CE Coupe

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Launched in 1985 and remaining in production until 1995, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W124) is widely recognised as the last of the 'over-engineered' Mercedes models before cost-cutting began to erode the marque's once impregnable reputation for money-no-object design. 

Available in saloon, estate, coupe and convertible guises with a bewildering array of petrol and diesel engine options, it was perhaps most elegant in the coupe form you see here. Sleek and elegant, the pillarless four-seater coupe had one of the lowest drag coefficients of any vehicle of the time (0.28) due to its slippery shape and the use of plastic mouldings to streamline airflow beneath the car, reducing fuel consumption and wind noise.

Beautifully balanced and equipped with Mercedes' superlatively sure-footed multi-link rear suspension, it had nicely weighted power-assisted steering and excellent disc brakes. Power came from a bullet-proof 188bhp 2,962cc SOHC straight-six that could hit 60mph in 8.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 137mph. Throw in a cosseting interior and you have all the car you could ever need.

Dating from August 1988, this particular Coupe has been in the current family ownership since 2007 and has covered some 118,000 miles (with a documented speedo change at around 30,000 miles). It has a full Mercedes service history up to 2002 when the service book runs out of places to stamp, with bills from independent specialists showing regular upkeep thereafter.

The vendor sates that “it has a very good body and drives very well, the interior is very good and everything works, including the air conditioning, cruise control and the sunroof.” Due to have a fresh MOT before the sale, it looks like a lot of car for very little outlay.