1994 Mercedes E 500

The W124 E-class was undoubtedly the 'Q car' of the nineties. A Porsche in a Mercedes suit

Hand built by Porsche and fitted with a naturally aspirated 5-litre V8 producing 322bhp @ 5,700 rpm

One of only 1,735 1994 cars built (all lhd) and finished in Metallic Black with a black leather interior

Genuine 78,000 km (48,000mls) with a full service history. Recent full engine strip down, de-coke and rebuild

In beautiful original condition throughout. Sold with all its relevant manuals, service records, documents etc,

Its looks, limited numbers, hand-built construction, and unique pedigree, mean the E500 is already a classic

The Mercedes-Benz W124 E500 was developed and produced jointly between Mercedes Benz and Porsche with the express intention of competing with BMW's hand-built E34 M5. It was powered by the 5.0-litre, 32-valve V8 producing 326 bhp and 480 N·m (354 lb·ft) of torque, usually found in the R129 SL500 of that era. The build quality of the E500 was legendary and probably the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship. Whilst other models of the W124 were built in 3 days, the E500 took 18 days each to build, with the shell being built and painted first, then taken to Porsche to install the mechanicals. They were assembled on the Porsche 959 supercar production line in Zuffenhausen then shipped back to Mercedes and then back to Porsche throughout the build. Each car was assembled by hand, so although visually the E500 resembles it's slightly lesser siblings, it has many, many differences making this vehicle really rather special indeed. Track widths were widened by an inch and a half, the wheel arches were flared to compensate, the suspension was lowered and stiffened, bigger brakes were fitted, and a subtle, very subtle, body kit was added.

Despite featuring a four-speed automatic gearbox, contemporary road tests achieved the benchmark 0-60mph sprint in under six seconds, with the quarter mile taking 14 sec and rumours that de-restricted cars could hit 170mph flat out.

Inside, occupants were made to feel equally special and the E500 was exceptionally well equipped as standard with features that included Recaro leather seats and the option of a cellular telephone. Left-hand drive only, Mercedes built a little over 10,000 during three years of production.

This E500 is one of only 1,735 built in 1994 and looks really purposeful finished in Metallic Black with a black leather interior. It has covered a genuine 78,000 km (48,000mls) with a full service history and has recently been subject to a full engine strip down, de-coke and rebuild. It's in absolutely beautiful and original condition throughout with immaculate paintwork and smart alloys. We understand it's supplied with all the relevant manuals and documents etc, and will be freshly MoT'd prior to the sale.

The E500's looks, Q-car performance, limited numbers, hand-built pedigree, and relative scarcity mean that it's already a classic.