When we talk about a true classic, the name Mercedes-Benz W124 comes to mind almost instantly, but some specimens are so far from the popular idea of an “old car” that they border on mythology. It was such a treasure that the popular “find hunter” blogger Roma Urako came across. A stunning 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 Cabriolet has appeared in the garage of a Ukrainian connoisseur, which is not just another shiny coupe without a roof, but a true pioneer in the history of individual luxury.
The car in question is among the first "clients" of the exclusive Designo program, which Daimler-Benz launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1995. The idea was revolutionary for the brand at the time: to give the buyer complete freedom in terms of colors and materials, as long as his wallet was deep enough. This particular Mercedes-Benz E320 is finished in the magnetic shade Designo Grün 252 - a green that seems to change its depth under the rays of the sun. The interior is no less impressive, relying on a bold combination of black and emerald leather, garnished with noble dark wood.
A curious detail is that while the W124 sedan had already become history by 1996, the convertible continued to be assembled until the summer of 1997. This makes the later units an extremely appetizing morsel for collectors. But here comes the real bombshell: according to experts, only 11 units of the entire W124 family left the factory with the original Designo paint finish, and all of them were convertibles. That's why finding such a specimen is harder than finding a needle in a haystack.
The story of this Mercedes-Benz E320 is worthy of a novel. Checking the documents reveals that the car was not ordered by a random customer, but served as an official press car for Daimler-Benz. It was the showcase through which the Germans demonstrated to journalists how far customization could go. The client listed on the information card is the concern itself. Today, after years in the shadows, this mobile sculpture finds a new home to remind us that true engineering and style are timeless.
