ON SOLID GROUND

The Mercedes-Benz W124 was a crucial model for the company, taking over the position held by the iconic W123 for a decade. It was recognisably a Mercedes, with conservative styling led by a very upright grille, but it was also clearly something quite new. The front end was actually tilted backwards slightly, part of a programme to reduce aerodynamic drag which gave the W124 an impressive drag coefficient of 0.30. Some might say it looks like a bigger 190E, which it does, but it still manages to have proportions that are just right. Underneath, it also shared the smaller car’s innovative multi-link rear suspension design.

Inside, the cabin was an evolution of design, and today holds up as one of the most attractive and simple of all 1980s car interiors. Naturally, it’s all built to an exceptionally high standard.