Mercedes-Benz CL 420 Designo ex André Rieu


Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Model
CL 420 Designo ex André Rieu
1st admission
1998
Mileage
94765 kilometres
Fuel
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Driver's side
Left
Color
Designo Schwarz
Interior color
Red
Power
279 hp
Engine size
4196 cc
Bodywork
Coupé
Reference no.
0001661

A rare sight, an exceptional specification, and a story that gives this Mercedes-Benz CL 420 Designo that little something extra.
The Mercedes-Benz CL of the C140 generation was already a remarkable car in its day. This imposing S-Class Coupé represented the very pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz range, combining impressive levels of luxury, engineering excellence and timeless grandeur. While these majestic coupés were relatively rare even back then, they have all but disappeared from today’s roads. An example like this is certainly not something you come across every day.

This CL also has a special history. It was originally delivered new to André Rieu, one of the Netherlands’ most successful musicians and one of the country’s most prominent musical exports. Together with his Johann Strauss Orchestra, he conquered audiences around the world and grew into an international phenomenon. His passion for the Mercedes-Benz marque is perhaps less widely known. For Smeets, the Mercedes-Benz dealer in Limburg, it must therefore have been a special moment when this musical icon walked into the showroom. Not only did they have the privilege of supplying a car to André Rieu, but it was also an exceptionally specified CL 420. Finished in Designo trim, it remains a car that stands out distinctly even today.

With its exclusive Designo programme, Mercedes-Benz offered customers the opportunity to tailor their cars to their personal tastes down to the finest detail. André Rieu opted for the elegant Designo Schwarz exterior, paired with a Designo Rot leather interior. The wood trim was also carefully selected from the Designo options list: Magic Eyes Designo-Rot. The specification is completed by a Designo steering wheel and gear selector finished in wood and leather. The combination of deep black paintwork, red leather and distinctive wood inlays gives the interior a striking, artistic character. It is a tasteful yet daring specification that perfectly complements both the dignified character of this coupé and the personality of its first owner.

According to reports, André Rieu commissioned a jeweller from Maastricht to create a beautiful ornament in the shape of his beloved Stradivarius violin. This was mounted on the wood trim inside the car and is still present today as a reminder of its first owner. The original Designo velour floor mats, finished with leather edging, have also been retained and remain in very good condition. To preserve this particularly special set, the car is also supplied with an additional set of velour floor mats featuring red edging. An original Nokia flip phone, intended for use with the car’s telephone holder, has also been found.

This CL 420 belongs to the final production series and is a 1997 model-year car. As such, it benefits from the latest refinements Mercedes-Benz introduced to the model, including the more modern, dual-zone automatic climate control system with separate left- and right-hand temperature settings. The equipment level is equally impressive. In addition to its already extensive standard specification, this Mercedes-Benz boasts numerous costly and now increasingly rare options.
Highlights include xenon headlights, electrically adjustable seats with memory function, heated seats and cruise control. The glass sliding and tilting sunroof brings additional light into the cabin, while the navigation system, Bose audio system and Alpine CD changer complete the comfort package. An auxiliary heating system, activated charcoal filter, electrically operated rear-window sunblind and the desirable original 18-inch Eltanin alloy wheels are also part of this CL’s original specification. These are precisely the details that make all the difference and turn this particular CL into such a desirable example.

A car of this calibre naturally deserves the right attention. The current owner has therefore invested considerably in bringing the CL to an excellent standard, both cosmetically and mechanically. Due to various minor paint imperfections, the bodywork was given a very light respray in its original Designo Schwarz colour. Photographs taken before the paintwork was carried out are available, providing a clear record of the work undertaken. The original alloy wheels have also been fully refurbished: they were repainted, the outer rims were diamond-cut, and a clear coat was subsequently applied in the correct manner. The wheels are fitted with new Continental tyres bearing the correct MO approval marking.
The mechanical side has received its fair share of attention as well. Characteristic comfort features such as the soft-close door system, Parktronic parking assistance (PDC), electric rear-window sunblind and even the retractable chrome boot handle are all functioning correctly. As a preventative measure, the well-known and notorious plastic oil guide tubes in the 420 engine have been replaced, along with the timing chain guides — providing welcome peace of mind.

In 2025, at an indicated mileage of 89,697 kilometres, the car also received an extensive service. The oil in the engine, automatic transmission, steering system and differential was replaced. In addition, the air-conditioning system was serviced, new spark plugs were fitted and the brake fluid was renewed. Attention has therefore been paid not only to the car’s appearance and exceptional specification, but also to its mechanical foundations. This is an important advantage in a complex, luxurious Mercedes-Benz of this era, where deferred maintenance can be a concern with many examples.

The result is a Mercedes-Benz CL 420 that has something special to offer in virtually every respect. An exceptional Designo specification, an appealing history as André Rieu’s former car, an exceptionally comprehensive equipment list and an owner who has ensured that the car has received careful attention, both cosmetically and mechanically. This is a car that deserves to be appreciated for what it is: by the Mercedes-Benz enthusiast searching for an exceptional example, by the collector looking to enrich their collection, or by someone wishing to take their first step into the world of special modern classics.

And, of course, there is another possibility: get behind the wheel, bring the V8 to life and enjoy the comfort, serenity and grandeur so characteristic of the large Mercedes-Benz coupés of this era. Whether you choose this CL to drive and enjoy, to cherish and preserve, or to add to a collection, it is a car that will never go unnoticed. After all, a Mercedes-Benz CL 420 Designo with this specification and such a distinctive history is not something you encounter every day.



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Renald van Dijke

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+31 (0)411 60 50 00
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