It was with great sadness that we learnt of Bruno Sacco’s passing over the weekend. Having worked for Mercedes for more than four decades from 1958-1999, he was responsible for some of the three-pointed star’s most iconic designs. To this day, people revere the Sacco designs; these weren’t supercars or sports cars, either, instead pitch perfect Benz saloons. Sacco was famously quoted as saying “A Mercedes-Benz must always look like a Mercedes-Benz”, and for many his designs stand proud as some of Merc’s finest.
The list of legendary Sacco Mercedes is incredible. Three generations of S-Class can be attributed to him (W126, W140, W220), of which the earliest was said to be his very favourite car designed for Mercedes. The W201 190E was another, plus the R129 SL - a pair of fantastic Benzes that remain dearly loved to this day. There were some projects he was perhaps less well known for, too, including design management for the C111 and C111-II concepts, plus the A-Class, ML-Class and V-Class. Sacco left an indelible mark on Mercedes, and on the entire car design industry.
While one car could never encapsulate his entire talent and achievements, the 124 generation of Mercedes feels like a very appropriate car to demonstrate Sacco’s skill. More than just a Mercedes-Benz, it was the Mercedes-Benz to a lot of people for a long time. It distilled a lot of what was loved about the larger W126 into a slightly more compact, more modern package, one that to this day many look to as the standard bearer for Mercedes quality, design and engineering.
The alliance of Sacco design and meticulous Mercedes build quality at the time only aided the ‘124’s reputation - and meant plenty survive. In the PH classifieds now there are saloons, coupes, cabrios and wagons, ranging from four-cylinder 230s all the way to monstrous, Porsche-built E500s. While not as cheap as they once were, the allure of one of these cars remains very strong. This 300CE looks a great example. As discovered during a Hero drive of a cabrio in the summer, the 3.0-litre straight six really is the perfect complement to the way a ‘124 drives, torquey enough for easygoing progress but also powerful and exciting as well. Even though this is the 12-valve rather than the 24, it's going to make a fine travel companion. This 1990 two-door has covered fewer than 60,000 miles, moreover, so will be fit for many more adventures yet.
Having been registered 34 years ago this month, this has been in the same family since 1991. The ad says it’s been garage stored, which means it’s been preserved in glorious fashion, and the originality is really something: check out the stereo and the supplying dealer sticker. While the ‘124 is known for lasting well, this really looks a remarkable survivor.
£15k is being asked, reflecting the condition and the mileage surely. There are examples with the same engine for a bit less, but the days of cheap, cheerful and actually good ‘124s are probably behind us now. They’re simply too significant to be worth nothing. And while we’d be wary about suggesting any further appreciation is coming, a Sacco stunner this good is always going to be a hugely desirable Mercedes. £15,000 for that privilege doesn’t seem bad at all.
SPECIFICATION | MERCEDES-BENZ 300-CE (C124)
Engine: 2,960cc, straight six
Transmission: 4-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 190@5,700rpm
Torque (lb ft): 192@4,400rpm
0-62mph: c. 8 secs
Top speed: c.140mph
MPG: c. 28
CO2: N/A
Year registered: 1990
Recorded mileage: 56,059
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £14,995
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