Once again we’re on the topic of rarity, after all isn’t that part of the fun with these cars? This 1992 300CE-24 Sportline popped up for sale overnight here on Craigslist and it’s certainly a special one. The odometer shows 146k and the seller is asking an aggressive $18,500. Take a look and let us know if you think these are worth the premium this seller assumes.
Option 952 on the datacard indicates this 300CE came equipped with the Sportline Option direct from Mercedes-Benz. Available for only two model years (1992-1993), Sportline optioned W124 coupes came complete with all available options along with a number of performance-minded upgrades including: wider wheels (7" rather than 6.5"), quick-ratio steering and a smaller diameter steering wheel, "Sportline" badges on the front wing moldings and gear knob, slightly lowered ride height and a specially tuned suspension including shorter, stiffer springs, struts, anti-roll bars, and bushings. Keep in mind, only the Sportline sedans received sport seats whereas the coupes kept the non-sport seating. Combine all this with the 24 valve M104 and this was a hot ride in the early 90’s.
This specific car seems to retain all the factory features and appears to have been nicely kept throughout the 1476k miles displayed. Even the Sportline-specific 8-hole sport wheels (along with the matching spare wrapped in the original tire) seem to be in good condition. The Arctic White paint (147) has retained a nice luster and the Black leather seats certainly don’t show the years or mileage as we’d expect.
As with any limited production model, we’re pleased to see al the original Sportline badges are intact and present on this example. Also included is the original literature, owners manual, tool kit, and spare keys. As a whole, this Sportline builds a solid case in justification of the asking price. On top of that, most Sportline Coupes (Only 2-5% of W124’s), were finished in Black or Grey from the factory so finding one in Arctic White further increases the rarity quotient.
Although we’re not in the market for a Sportline coupe, plenty of collectors are. This asking price, albeit seemingly high at first glance, is probably justified to many given the condition, rarity, and originality of this coupe. If the seller can lend more insight to provenance and complete maintenance history, we wouldn’t be surprised if more could be had with better photos and a more inclusive listing.
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