For Sale: 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300E in Katwijk, Netherlands

It is late 1984, and Mercedes-Benz unveils the W124 series as successor to the hugely successful W123. With this model, Mercedes took a great leap forward in the upper mid-size segment. The W124 received a more modern design with less chrome, a considerably lower Cd figure and clear influences from the earlier W201, better known as the 190. Initially, the W124 was available with four- and six-cylinder petrol engines and various diesel variants. In the years that followed, the model grew into a complete range, with highlights such as powerful six-cylinders featuring 24-valve technology and later even V8 versions. The W124 remained in production until 1997 and was built in more than 2.3 million examples, which is why the model is now regarded as one of the best-built Mercedes-Benz cars ever. It was precisely during this period that the tuning world began to flourish. More and more buyers wanted to make their new car more personal and set it apart from the crowd, and exclusive tuning houses were only too happy to answer that call. Brand-new cars were modified and refined right after delivery, with attention paid to styling, chassis and interior. This Mercedes-Benz 300E is a perfect and rarely preserved example of exactly that. The car has a particularly lovely history. From 1986 to 2023 it was owned by a single owner, a gentleman born in 1939. He bought the car new in Switzerland at the time and specified and maintained it with the greatest care. Alongside a very extensive list of factory options, the car was converted straight from the factory by Lorinser Sportservice. This conversion consisted of a complete styling package, revised lowering springs and dampers and 16-inch alloy wheels, inspired by the classic "Gullideckel" wheels. The interior, too, is exceptionally executed. The car is fitted with a rare Blaupunkt BERLIN IQR 88 hi-fi audio system with the even rarer Schwanenhals BERLING HEAD control unit, an equalizer, a cassette player and a CD player. Not just any CD player, but one of the very first, into which you first had to slide the CD inside a cassette. The leather Lorinser steering wheel and the wooden Lorinser gear knob fit the exclusive character of the car perfectly. Original details such as the floor mats and Lorinser logos are still present. An absolute highlight is the seats. These are electrically adjustable Recaro Classic C seats, the stuff of legend in the tuning world. They are trimmed in original Mercedes upholstery, which is exceedingly rare and indicates that this configuration was delivered from the factory. The original purchase invoice comes with the car and shows that the first owner faced no less than an eleven-month waiting time for a W124 in this specification. The car is in an exceptional and almost unbelievable condition. It is completely rust-free, has always been kept indoors and has been used only seasonally. The maintenance history has been fully recorded in the original booklet. The mileage stands at just over 100,000 kilometres and the car recently underwent a very thorough service in which every detail was carefully checked. This Mercedes was part of the private collection of a true Mercedes enthusiast. This Mercedes-Benz is a unique time capsule from the 1980s. A tangible tribute to a period in which the tuning world was in full development and the foundations were laid for what would later become iconic names. Marques such as Lorinser, Brabus, AMG and Gemballa stood at the dawn of a genuine revolution, one centred on individuality, craftsmanship and exclusivity. This example offers a rare glimpse into that remarkable era and shows just how refined and forward-thinking tuning could be back then. A car like this deserves to be carefully preserved, as a witness to a unique chapter in recent motoring history. You are always welcome to view the car in our showroom in Katwijk, where it is presented among more than 150 other unique and special cars. - One owner from 1986 to 2023, originally de