1991 Mercedes-Benz E-Class - 300 CE

Six-cylinder engine and manual gearbox

Timelessly elegant colour combination

Extensive service history

Original 99,000 kilometres

When Mercedes introduced the 124-series Coupé in 1987, there was little in the way of surprise. The coupés of the larger S-Class had quite clearly provided the inspiration. Far more interesting was just how elegantly Mercedes had managed to turn its sober saloon into a two-door car one size down.

Although the Coupé, known internally as the C 124, shared much of its engineering with the W 124, its bodywork was extensively redesigned. The wheelbase was shortened by 85 millimetres, the roof and glass sat at a shallower angle and, with no B-pillar, lowering all four side windows created the generous open aspect that had distinguished earlier Mercedes coupés. Safety still had its place, of course: small electric servants presented the seat belts to their occupants. After all, nobody should have to contort themselves unnecessarily simply to buckle up.

Initially, there was the four-cylinder 230 CE and the straight-six 300 CE. Four-valve engines followed later, as did a new naming convention with the 1993 facelift: the 320 CE became the E 320 Coupé. Those wanting something rather more exclusive could turn to AMG and take matters considerably further.

The C 124 Coupés remained in production until 1996. They were never sports cars, nor did they pretend to be. Instead, they combined solid W 124 engineering with frameless windows, plenty of leather and a considerable degree of restraint. A Mercedes with two fewer doors and just a little more joie de vivre.

This Blue-Black (199) 300 CE Coupé spent six months in 1993 registered as a demonstrator to a Mercedes dealership in Upper Styria before passing to its first private owner in Vienna that autumn. Its specification of a manual gearbox and limited-slip differential, combined with the 180 hp six-cylinder engine, gives it a decidedly sporting flavour.

The Mercedes changed hands for the first time in 1998, although it remained in Vienna. With reassuring regularity, the elegant Coupé received its scheduled maintenance through to the 70,000-kilometre service. Today, the odometer shows just 99,000 kilometres, and the handsome Coupé remains in fine condition. A small stone chip acquired on its most recent journey to Salzburg does little to spoil the impression. Far more pleasing is the combination of its manual gearbox and ample power, which together give the 300 CE a remarkably lively character.