1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class - E200 Cabriolet

Elegant W124 Cabriolet from the final year of production

Classic colour combination of dark blue with a blue soft top

Originally based in Italy

Registered in Germany since 2018

With the Cabriolet of the 124 series, Mercedes-Benz returned to the world of four-seater open-top cars in 1992 after a long absence. The elegant Coupé provided the basis, but dispensing with a fixed roof required considerable engineering effort. Extensive structural reinforcement ensured that the open Mercedes was far more than simply a Coupé with its roof removed.

By the end of its production run, the Cabriolet already carried the E-Class designation. As the E 200, it placed less emphasis on outright performance than on refined and relaxed open-top motoring. Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produced 136 hp and suited the character of a car in which comfort and dignified progress mattered rather more than winning the sprint to the next set of traffic lights.

This Mercedes-Benz E 200 Cabriolet was built in 1996 and was originally based in Italy. It is particularly elegant in dark blue with a matching blue soft top and black interior – a pleasantly understated combination that suits the clean lines of the W124 exceptionally well.

It was in Italy that the future consignor discovered and purchased the open Mercedes before subsequently bringing it to Germany. German registration followed in 2018. At least its more recent history can therefore be clearly traced, from its purchase in Italy and subsequent importation through to its registration in Germany.

Today, the open version of the W124 embodies many of the qualities upon which Mercedes-Benz built its reputation: solid engineering, understated elegance and the reassuring sense that a Cabriolet need not be loud to attract attention.