Back in the 80s and early 90s, when AMG was an independent tuner not yet folded into the Mercedes-Benz family, those looking to soup up their Benzes could have their cars delivered to an AMG-authorized dealer for the installation of a range of body, suspension and engine upgrades. As a result, there are a number of “mix and match” cars from the period with bespoke configurations, making the authentication of pre-merger cars today quite difficult. The most famous car from this period is probably the “Hammer,” the AMG-tuned, V8-powered, wide-body kitted version of the W124 platform E-class (there’s a neat little video of Chris Harris driving one here). While the Hammer continues to be highly sought after, and priced accordingly, less well known is that AMG also produced a tamer version of the W124, the 300E AMG. This offered the brutish exterior styling of the Hammer while retaining the M104 six cylinder engine, bored out to 3.4 liters.
Tag: 1991
The other day I wrote up a Euro-Spec 190E 2.3-16, noting that the seller must have good taste in cars since there was a W126 pictured in the background. It turns out that W126 is also for sale. It’s a 300SE. These are my favorite old Benzes. Imposing and timeless, these old S-classes still look beautiful today and remind you of an era when Mercedes built stately cars of bank-vault solidity. It’s a real treat to see one in mint condition, which is not that uncommon. Many of the original, wealthy owners have held on to these since new and maintained them at whatever cost necessary. Looking like it just rolled out of the factory, this appears to be such a car.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300SE on eBay
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Although the Type 44 chassis would live on in the D11 V8 quattro until 1994 (albeit heavily revised), for many the pinnacle of the chassis was the 1991 model year. It was then that finally the U.S. market received the power that Europeans had enjoyed in the chassis for so long. Audi used its Group B, Sport Quattro and IMSA experience to create a four valve head for their road cars. It was utilized in many chassis in slightly different configurations; the U.S. market 200 and early S models received the 3B, while the Quattro had a slightly upgraded RR motor. With mild revisions, this motor was again offered in AAN configuration for the 1992 model year, while Europeans had the ABY. The final development was the RS2’s ADU, but all of these motors shared the same inline-5, 20V turbo construction – and all are very highly sought. For U.S. customers, though, since the S2 and RS2 models were never offered along with the late 20V Quattros, it doesn’t get much better if you like the older cars than the 1991 200, and then again doesn’t get much better in 200s than a clean Avant:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1991 Audi 200 20V quattro Avant on eBay
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We’ve posted a few W124 tourings recently, noting the high esteem in which these old wagons are held. A functional and solid mode of transportation for well-to-do families of yesteryear, plenty of these cars have been kept by their original owners well into old age (or passed down to their kids), because people often just can’t bear to part with them. No surprise: like all Mercedes cars from the era, these were built to last forever. This particular example is a 1991 Euro-spec diesel sourced from France. Not only does that make it quite rare  – 300TDs were only ever offered in the US for one year, in 1987 - it also comes equipped with some features not usually seen on US-market cars. And the good news: it’s already here, for sale in Florida.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300TD on eBay
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I guess I couldn’t stay aware from pretty and interesting 911s for very long – not that there’s anything wrong with that. While I sit inside awaiting our 48 hours of rain to cease why not take in the oceanic feel of this Cobalt Blue Metallic 1991 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Cabriolet. Last week I featured an Amethyst 964 fitted with a white leather interior and in that case the interior didn’t really work for me. The contrast seemed too strong – though some commenters did enjoy it so there was appeal. Here we have a similar white leather interior, with similar black accents to that Amethyst Carrera, and I think the combination works extremely well. The contrast seems just right and the overall feel that these colors project fits the ethos of a Cabriolet to good effect. It certainly does not hurt that Cobalt Blue is such a stunning exterior color.