Mercedes-Benz E220 Cabriolet Automatic

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Mercedes-Benz launched its redoubtable W124 E-Class in 1985, a thoroughly engineered platform that was designed to cover star-ship mileages without drama. It came in four-door saloon and estate versions as well as a more glamorous two-door coupe and convertible.

The design was both over-engineered and forward thinking, incorporating such features as the multi-link rear axle which would be integrated into many car designs over the coming years and plastic mouldings to streamline airflow beneath the car, reducing fuel consumption and wind noise – and incidentally creating one of the lowest drag coefficients of any vehicle at the time (0.28). Such aerodynamic efficiency helped the 2.2-litre 148bhp engine push the car to 130 mph and reach 60mph in just 10 seconds, all the while remaining capable of returning up to 40mpg on a run.

Safety has been at the forefront of Mercedes-Benz thinking since the early '60s and the company made strenuous efforts to ensure the new convertible would be as safe as it could possibly be. The B-pillars were so strong that the car could actually be hung from them and behind the two rear seats, the headrests were designed to act as passenger protection, extending upwards in the unlikely event of a rollover.

Beautifully balanced and sure-footed, it had nicely weighted power-assisted steering and excellent disc brakes, remaining in production until 1996 when it was replaced by the much less impressive W210 series. The W124 Mercedes has lately achieved a cult following thanks to its tremendous high mileage capability and general resilience.

First registered in March 1995, this late-series 1995 E220 Convertible has had just four owners from new. It was ordered through the British Forces German military buying scheme, the original bill of sale stating that it was supplied to the Military Court Centre in Munchen Gladbach having been specified in Imperial Red with a cream leather interior.

The fully functioning black mohair hood is double lined and electrically operated, the four electric side windows dropping all the way into the body to reveal a clean unbroken waist line. Height adjustable front seats are heated and come with lumbar support and it has the usual compliment of air bags.

The handbook and service booklet are present, with maintenance being carried out annually rather than by mileage. There are 15 stamps recorded up until 2004, all with Jacksons Mercedes of Bournemouth. From 2005 on, the work has been handled by various other specialist garages including Zeigen of Bergen, Norway, in October 2008. The file includes six old MOTs, the current ticket expiring in October 2016, the car having covered an indicated 109,000 miles from new.

This striking and well-built Convertible doubtless has years of useful life ahead of it and is ready to be enjoyed straight away.