1993 Mercedes-Benz 300CE Convertible

Mercedes-Benzs highly anticipated W124 had some big shoes to fill when it first debuted in 1985. Replacing the venerable W123 sedans, coupes and wagons would be no easy task, thanks to a reputation for dependability and quality that was and remains beyond reproach. In fact, the W123 series was so widely beloved that German taxi drivers protested outside Mercedes-Benz headquarters upon hearing their beloved Berlin Taxi would be replaced. As it turned out, they had little to worry about, as the W124 series delivered the same sort of vault-like quality, durability, and poise that buyers expected. The W124 was born of an era which many consider to be Peak Mercedes when engineers not accountants ruled the roost and that influence is evident in virtually every touch point. Even the hood release is a joy to operate! New multilink suspension elevated the sophistication and details like asymmetric door mirrors, flush headlamps, and the subtly tapered body point to the great designer Bruno Saccos obsessive pursuit of efficiency.

A a four-seat coupe joined the sedan and estate in 1987, and in the spring of 1992, Mercedes-Benz introduced the four-seat 300CE Cabriolet. While the SL roadster was still in the range, the 300CE Cabriolet was Mercedes-Benzs first four-seat convertible since W111 280 SE in 1971. Having twenty years to consider a new Cabriolet seems to have paid off, as the 300CE is an understated masterpiece.

Beyond removing the roof, engineers redesigned close to 1,000 different parts to increase strength and rigidity in the A124 shell. Special vibration absorbing elements were added to the windscreen frame, engine bay, and trunk to dampen harmonics on rough roads, and rollover protection was incorporated into the windscreen frame and rear headrests. The folding soft top mimicked the coupes roof line and was fully insulated with a glass rear window for maximum comfort. Like the SL, the CEs top stows with a touch of a button beneath a hard boot, without sacrificing rear seat space. All US cars came with the superlative 3.2-liter M104 inline-six shared with the S-Class, featuring twin overhead cams, variable valve timing, and Bosch management.

This outstanding 1993 300CE is an original US-market example produced in February of 1993. In the USA, this was a one-year-only model before the facelifted W124 arrived for 1994, and renamed the E320 Cabriolet. Offered from long-term ownership in an extensive private collection, it is a well-optioned car with a clean CarFax, desirably finished in triple black from new and currently displaying just over 38,900 miles. The impressive spec sheet verifies this car was finished from new in DB040U black over black leather upholstery. Equipment includes power adjustable heated front seats with driver memory, Tempomat cruise control, adjustable steering column, Becker Grand Prix radio with active bass speakers, self-leveling suspension, automatic climate control, cockpit wind deflector, headlamp washers, and more. A full breakdown of the equipment is on file.

The black paintwork is in excellent condition throughout, and is accented with dual-line hand-painted pinstripes, a common dealer option of the era. The car rides on factory correct ten-hole alloy wheels shod with appropriate Michelin radials. Factory black leather upholstery and carpet are in excellent condition, with only slight creasing that reflects is low mileage. Similarly the woodwork and robust switchgear are outstanding, suggesting this car has spent very little time in the elements. The soft top is excellent inside and out, and it is furnished with its original wind deflector and first aid kit. The only notable deviation from standard is a Pioneer Premier AM/FM/CD head unit in place of the original Becker cassette player.

The M104 twin-cam engine sits in a neat and tidy engine bay. Its 220 bhp output is modest by todays standards, but with a notable kick at high revs, the 300CE Cabriolets forte is effortless high-speed cruising, enhanced by its excellent automatic gearbox, and exquisite body control. Theres no mistaking this for a sports car this is open air luxury at its finest.

While sedans were built in relatively large numbers, great examples of the W124 particularly the Wagon, Coupe, and Cabriolet are increasingly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts who value their unparalleled quality and exceptional attention to detail. These cars are famous for piling on huge miles, so low-mileage cars like this are especially desirable. This superb and well-specced Cabriolet will undoubtedly please the discerning enthusiast in search of a prime example of Mercedes-Benzs superlative W124.

Offers welcome and trades considered.