Mercedes-Benz CL500 (C140), June 1998
Mercedes-Benz CL500 (C140), 1998 facelift (June) — final model year.
Naturally aspirated V8 M119 (320 hp, 470 Nm), 5-speed automatic. Double glazing, Soft Close, Bose audio, climate control, ESP.
Rare facelift: around 2,200 cars worldwide; June is among the latest build months.
Service book stamped to date. Three keys.
Mercedes-Benz CL500 (C140)
Model history
The Mercedes-Benz CL500 (C140) is a coupé based on the S-Class W140, produced from 1992 to 1998.
Originally named 500 SEC / 600 SEC, later S 500 Coupé / S 600 Coupé; after the 1996 facelift it was renamed CL500 / CL600.
In total, 26,022 C140 coupés were built, including 14,953 CL500. Facelift cars (1997–1998) number only about 2,000–2,200 worldwide (≈50% US, 40% Europe, 10% other markets).
By current estimates only about 500–600 facelift CL500s remain in Europe.
June 1998 is one of the very last production months, before the model was replaced by the new CL W215 later that year.
Features & engineering
- Engine: naturally aspirated 5.0-L V8 (M119), 320 hp and 470 Nm.
- This engine is regarded as one of the most reliable and well-balanced in Mercedes history.
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic — smoothness and durability.
Innovations
- Double-glazed windows for superior sound and thermal insulation.
- Electric seats with memory and extensive adjustment.
- ESP stability control (introduced on the W140 coupé after the facelift).
- Premium options: Soft Close doors, Bose audio, dual-zone climate.
- Comfort: a true four-seater coupé with S-Class-level luxury.
Facts & model status
- The most expensive model in the lineup. The CL (C140) was the pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz range in the 1990s. It cost more than S-Class sedans, and the CL600 was even pricier than many armored limousines. In essence, it was the flagship of flagships — an elite car for those who wanted the maximum in prestige and technology.
- New price: in 1998 the CL500 cost around 160,000 Deutsche Marks (~€80,000 at the time, or roughly ~€150,000 in today’s money).
- Rarity: this example is one of roughly 2,000 facelift CL500s produced in 1997–1998.
- A car for the elite: politicians, business leaders and artists often chose these coupés over limousines for their style and exclusivity.
- Technological vanguard: double-glazed windows, ESP and innovative electronics — all of this later became standard on premium cars, but first appeared here.
Conclusion
The 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL500 (C140) is not just a car, but a part of automotive history.
It combines the comfort and luxury of the S-Class, the charisma of a grand coupé and a reliable V8, as well as the status of the most expensive Mercedes-Benz model of its time. Today such cars are a true rarity, especially in this condition: a collector’s piece — all the more so when it’s one of the last units built, like this one.
Tell Us About Your Plan – We’ll Take Care of the Rest
Whether it’s a wedding, business trip, or guest reception – we’ll find the right car and handle everything with precision and elegance.
