First registered on the 3rd of November 1988, this wonderfully imposing Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a second-generation example, so benefits from a bit more power as well as a selectable automatic gearbox that offers the driver the choice of Standard (S) or Economy (E) modes.

Finished in black over grey leather, this W126 reinforces the reputation Mercedes used to have for over-engineering some of the toughest cars in the world.

In need of only light cosmetic fettling, a few hours and a modest sum of money would see the old girl fighting fit once more and ready to conquer another 32 years with the same aplomb as it watched over the birth of the Internet and the collapse of the Iron Curtain.

Still looking sharp and imposing, the first thing you notice about the car is the way it all hangs together; it might be well into its fourth decade but you’d never guess from the shutlines, panel alignment or chromework.

Nor the paint; black is the hardest colour of them all in that it shows every...