Mercedes-Benz 300CE 24v Auto

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Launched in 1985 and remaining in production until 1996, the W124 E-Class was the mid-size executive model in the Mercedes range and was a superbly built machine that was expressly designed to cover huge mileages with minimal maintenance.

One of the most streamlined cars of its era, it had a drag coefficient of just 0.28 with a plastic undertray for the chassis that improved airflow under the car, reduced wind noise and improved fuel economy. The rear suspension used the excellent multi-link set up that Mercedes had pioneered on the 190 in 1982 which gave reassuringly fail-safe handling in all conditions.

A wide range of engines were available from a 2-litre straight-four to a 5-litre V8, all proving incredibly robust and being capable of ‘spaceship’ mileages with nothing more than routine servicing. Offering the best blend of performance and economy was the 3-litre DOHC 24-valve straight-six engine, introduced in 1990, which produced 230bhp and could launch the car to 60mph in just 7.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 149mph. These were mighty impressive figures for such a big car and ABS brakes and traction control were required to keep everything under control.

This bright red 300CE 24v dates from 1991 and has covered 138,000 miles from new. Originally supplied through Gerard Mann in Birmingham, it has no fewer than 24 service stamps in the book, the last one back in June 2011 just over 2,000 miles ago. It is MOTd until June 2015 and has 10 old MOTs on file, a large number of old invoices confirming much of this service history.

The W124 Mercedes range has developed quite a cult following, its rock-solid build quality, extreme comfort and surprising economy fueling demand for these fine machines.