Project code name 'W126' was initiated towards the end of 1973 shortly after the successful debut of the 1970's W116 generation.

The primary objective was to extend global market leadership in the sales of prestige luxury saloons.

At the core of the strategy was delivery of improved handling, ride comfort and fuel efficiency.

Thanks in part to the use of new light-weight materials Mercedes were able to legitimately claim fuel savings in excess of 10% versus the W116.

Not only were the new V8 engines more efficient but they were also more powerful and the interiors of the cars more capacious.

This excellent example has the 3.8 litre, V8 which was modified by Mercedes-Benz at the very beginning of 1984 with double bank timing chains for smoother running.

Purchased new in June 1984 by Mr Trickett of Cranleigh, Surrey, he specified metallic silver-blue coachwork with Galaxy Blue cloth, a Blaupunkt Melbourne stereo, green tinted glass, centre armrest, electric windows and headlamp was...