1. Mercedes W124

1986-1996 FROM: $5000

Considered one of the final ‘over-engineered’ Mercedes models before the accountants took control in Stuttgart, the W124 midsizer came to define its era with elegant, futuristic lines, clothing a spacious and solid grand tourer of sumptuous dynamic capability. Most want the 300E’s muscular 3.0-litre inline six, of course, but the under-stressed 230E’s four-cylinder petrol engine is a smooth slogger, its longevity and reliability making up for somewhat sluggish acceleration. If you desire economy, it’s the deathly-slow but unburstable 300D for you. There are no duds in the range; the sedan is all class; the S124 wagon possesses 5+2-seater practicality to match a uniquely Teutonic beauty; the suave C124 coupe combines pillarless hardtop elegance with space for four while the Cabriolet version still looks like a million dollars. Note today’s ‘E-Class’ nomenclature was introduced from ’93. Following up the timeless (and now more expensive) W123 was never going to be easy, but the W124 was a knockout successor – and much lovelier than the alwayssurprised-looking W210 barge that replaced it. Nobody makes cars like the W124 anymore.