For Sale: 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500 in Scotts Valley, California

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"A wolf in sheep's clothing"
Extremely rare factory black over black specification
One of approximately 1,528 imported into the United States
5.0-liter V8 engine with 4-speed automatic transmission
Built in a collaboration between Porsche and Mercedes-Benz in limited production
Large collection of service documents, includes owner's manual

One of the best under-the-radar cars in the automotive world is the Mercedes-Benz 500E. Built in collaboration with Porsche in the early 90s, it is one of the greatest Q-ship sedans ever created. Using parts from the SL sports car, and accessing Porsche's handmade expertise, these special cars took an average of 18 days to build. With the immensely powerful 326 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine came impressive performance, clocking 0-60mph in under 6 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph, all while maintaining the Mercedes-Benz level of quality and comfort.

This was not your ordinary W124, with its aggressive stance that has a 1.5-inch wider track, 0.9-inch lower profile, flared fenders, side skirts, and a front air dam. Thankfully the final package, to the untrained eye, was subtle enough not to attract unwarranted attention from law enforcement.

This excellent example was shipped from the Sindelfingen production plant in February 1992, destined for the United States. One of the approximately 1,528 examples imported to the U.S. between 1992 to 1995, it was a rare automobile indeed. This particular 500E comes in a rare black exterior paint with black leather interior. Purchased new in Indiana by its first owner in June of 1992, the 500E was kept with the original owner for 21 years. In 2013, he decided to sell the car and it was relocated to Georgia for a short period of time, and then to the West Coast. In 29 years, it has been driven only 2,500 miles per year during the course of its lifetime.

In 2014 after the 500E was acquired by its third owner, the Mercedes was entrusted to Leistung Autohaus in Garden Grove, California for servicing. During this time, new European headlights were installed, as well as an European exhaust. The brake system serviced and upgraded to Brembo calipers. Additional major servicing was performed by the specialists at MBI Motors in Portland OR. This included the replacement of engine and transmission mounts, lower wiring/alternator harness, front lower control arms, and more.

Upon arrival at Canepa, the Porsche-built Mercedes-Benz was inspected thoroughly from front to back. The large collection of service documents provided evidence that the 500E has always been properly maintained, with the interior and exterior also presenting in superior condition. This "super" sedan was immediately placed into the "Canepa Difference" process, first going through an extensive mechanical inspection and servicing as needed, followed by concours-show-level detailing. To be sold with a pre-delivery Service, final show-level preparation, owners manuals, and historical service records.

The Mercedes-Benz 500E will remain one of the most memorable sedans of its era. Benefitting from a joint venture between two of the worlds greatest auto manufacturers, it delivers power, style, and the time-tested reliability of Mercedes-Benz, and is a true tour-de-force of 1990's design. Not many super sedans are able to attack the backroads all the while comfortably transporting its occupants hundreds of miles across country, like a Mercedes-Benz 500E can.

Click here to learn more on the 500E https://youtu.be/2sCki6KlTf8