Lot 222 - 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E

From 1990 to 1995, Mercedes-Benz sold a high-performance version of the W124, the Mercedes-Benz 500E. It was created in close co-operation with Porsche; each one being hand-built by Porsche and transported back and forth between the Mercedes-Benz plant and Porsche's Rossle-Bau plant in Zuffenhausen with a full 18 days being taken to complete each car. The 500E had a naturally aspirated 5.0 litre, V8 engine derived from the 500SL (R129) and braking performance also came from SL components. The 500E was manufactured as a four-seat saloon and in lefthand drive only. The leather seats were supplied by Recaro with the fronts being electrically operated and heated. Called the 'Wolf in Sheep's Clothing' by the press, performance tests of the day yielded impressive results with 0-62mph times of 5.5 to 6.0 seconds. The top speed was 161mph with the engine speed limited to 6000rpm. With its aggressive stance, 1.5" wider track, lower profile, flared wheel arches, side skirts, front air-dam and wider tyres, the 500E is easily distinguished from its lesser brethren.

This superb 500E offered for sale was sold new to Italy where it was originally registered and where the last service was carried out before its arrival in the UK last February. Finished in black with a black leather and fabric interior, this Mercedes comes with an electric sunroof, electric windows, an original Becker stereo and twin air bags.  Supplied with a V5C registration document, an MoT test certificate which expires in February 2019, the car comes with the book pack and a complete, fully stamped, service book. This particular example was featured in the Italian magazine Auto d’Epoca and a copy of the magazine is included in the history file. Because of its look, limited numbers, hand-built construction at Porsche and its unique pedigree, the 500E is already considered a 'classic' - even within Mercedes-Benz - and this therefore represents an ideal opportunity to acquire a very special car at a very reasonable price.