Mercedes-Benz 200T Estate

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Launched in 1987 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.

It was available in saloon, estate, coupe and convertible guises with a bewildering array of petrol and diesel engine options. Beautifully balanced and equipped with Mercedes' superlatively sure-footed multi-link rear suspension, all had nicely weighted power-assisted steering and excellent disc brakes. Very expensive when new, the handsome estate version, in particular, has long been a favourite with Britain’s middle classes, owners tending to hang onto them for years, rather like the family Labrador.

This two-litre petrol estate was first registered on 1st January 1988 to a family in North Wales. It was sold through WA & GF Evans, the official Mercedes-Benz dealers in Criccieth, and was to remain registered at the same address, passing amongst various family members until recently purchased by the vendor, principally so that he could remove the nice early Anglesey registration number, GEY 467, now replaced by the age-related number it wears today.

The document file includes the original handbook and service book which has four stamps, the first three through the supplying dealer. By May 1997 it had covered just 17,022 miles, the car being parked in the family garage shortly after, the total mileage having now increased to a mere 19,700 miles from new.

We are advised that although the paintwork is not perfect (which bearing in mind the car is approaching its 30th birthday is forgivable), the rest of the car looks and feels just like a low-mileage Benz should. Supplied in basic 2.0-litre carburettor form from an era when even luxury cars charged extra for electric windows, this simple, rugged, practical and superbly comfortable estate is MOTd until February 2017.

With low mileage examples now almost unobtainable, this super 19,700 mile 200T, with virtually one family owner from new, looks like an opportunity not to be missed.