This 1997 Mercedes-Benz CL420 was recently imported from Spain by the selling dealer. The coupe is finished in Ruby Metallic (572) over Black Nappa Leather (231) and power is provided by a 4.2-liter M119 V8 linked to a five-speed automatic transmission. The odometer shows 68k original kilometers (~42k miles) from new and all subsequent importation paperwork is in order. Notable options include xenon headlamps, heated front and rear seats, a rear power rollerblind, Parktronic, and a power sunroof. This CL420 is now offered by the selling dealer with importation records, manufacturer’s literature, one flip key fob, and a clean Florida title.
The CL420 is finished in Ruby Metallic (572) with matching lower cladding and brushed trim around the windows and above the bumpers. The selling dealer mentions the sides of the car have been previously painted under prior ownership with little detail known of the cosmetic history. Notable exterior features include side marker lights on the front fenders, front and rear Parktronic with sensors in the bumpers, xenon headlamps, and a power sunroof. Various paint blemishes are noted in the gallery below along with a scuff on the rear bumper. Detailed photos of the exterior can be seen in the gallery.
The CL wears original Euro-optioned Eltanin 18” wheels showing Michelin Primacy All season tires measuring 235/50 at all four corners and showing 2018 date codes. The wheels show light blemishes and curb rash with original painted center caps.
The cabin is upholstered in Black Nappa Leather (231) with matching black carpets and dashboard. Original burl wood veneer accents the cabin including the center console, dashboard, door cards, and shift knob. Minor wear is shown throughout the cabin and notable features include heated power front seats, heated rear bucket seats, power folding side mirrors, a power rear rollerblind, and the original Becker head unit. The seller notes the rear power headrests as inoperable and reports the motors to work but headrests are immovable.
The black leather-wrapped steering wheel frames the original gauge cluster showing analog dials including a 260-kph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and a digital odometer that shows 68k original kilometers (~42k miles). Additional auxiliary gauges provide readouts for fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and instant economy.
The 4.2L M119 V8 was factory rated at 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque when new with power sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission. The selling dealer does not have records prior to acquisition but reports the CL to drive well with no mechanical needs.
The included Carfax report shows only history while in the United States and reports one record upon titling. This CL420 is now offered by the selling dealer with importation records, manufacturer’s literature, one flip key fob, and a clean Florida title.
Videos below have been provided by the seller showing the CL420 exterior, interior, engine functions, underside, and driving.
On the brink of the auto industry migrating away from high displacement and naturally aspirated power plants, the M119 V8-powered Mercedes from the 90’s remain flagships against even the newest iteration of the S-Class and other modern luxury options. We’re marginally accustomed to seeing late model C140’s but European models are few and far between in the United States. We must admit there's a certain charm beyond our domestic examples around the Eltanin wheels, fender markers, and color combination. The W/C140 chassis cars are known for being some of the most well-built and comfortable cars ever produced so it's no surprise to see others for sale with well beyond 200k miles regularly. This Ruby CL has only a mere 42k miles and M119 V8 provides the perfect blend of power and reliability. For those looking for a rare coupe that still has decades left to give its owner - in style - this one's for you.
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9 Comments
$16,750 bid placed by @MAbbott
$16,500 bid placed by @CarharttDADDY
$16,250 bid placed by @MAbbott
$16,000 bid placed by @CarharttDADDY
$15,250 bid placed by @MAbbott
$15,000 bid placed by @CarharttDADDY
$13,500 bid placed by @MAbbott
$13,250 bid placed by @CarharttDADDY
$13,000 bid placed by @GhostCoast
$12,750 bid placed by @CarharttDADDY
$12,500 bid placed by @Mellow
$11,750 bid placed by @CarharttDADDY
$11,500 bid placed by @GhostCoast
$11,000 bid placed by @Mellow
$10,500 bid placed by @GhostCoast
$10,000 bid placed by @Mellow
$9,500 bid placed by @Hakarm77
$9,250 bid placed by @Mellow
@MGSLC Yes it does have traction control.
Does this CL have Traction Control? How do Europeans drive these cars in winter snow?
Love this car! For those that might not have known about it, these are 140 specific wheels and they are the standard equipment wheels on European version 140 coupes starting around 1996. However, the specified size for the tires on these wheels is 255/45/18.
$9,000 bid placed by @MAbbott
@returnofthemark I can't really think of anything that is related to drivability but there are 2 small issues that are not in the description. First, the passenger headlamp wiper does not work properly. It will move sometimes but it gets stuck. The other issue is that if you slam the driver's door, the glass will not go up and there is a small gap at the top but it works fine if you close the door slowly and let the soft close mechanism pull it. Therefore, if you close the door slowly you never have the problem.
$5,950 bid placed by @pepaglobal
$5,700 bid placed by @Jherf
No idea this was an option…@seller how’s the drive? Any immediate needs or quirks?
$5,000 bid placed by @Chopped
I wish my Eltanins were in that good of shape, and I wish my car was that color, but at 2 and a half tons, I'll keep my M120! Truly though, with this spec, who cares about the 4.2 - cruise all day long with good MPG and get stares galore. Total beauty.
$3,750 bid placed by @Tomaszmika
$3,500 bid placed by @vmparker2
$3,250 bid placed by @LA560SEC
$3,000 bid placed by @angelocaribe
$2,750 bid placed by @vmparker2
$2,500 bid placed by @gotlieh
@vmparker2 I am sure it can be registered in CA (we have sold several gray market cars to CA), but I also know the process is different and more complex than in the rest of the states. I also believe it varies by counties. I strongly suggest that you contact your local authorities before bidding. Also, many CA residents use different states to register their gray market cars. I hope this helps.
$250 bid placed by @vmparker2
Can this be registered in California? Or, does it requires a dealership license?
Really a great spec and a rare desirable exterior color. Those rims are a perfect touch and the 4.2 is adequate. Hope to see more of these coming over.