1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 TE AMG Estate
Chassis no. TP18150-241598 (See Text)
5.2-liter SOHC Type M117 V8 Engine
Bosch Fuel Injection
295 bhp at 5,250 rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*One of just a handful of AMG-tuned W123 estates
*Powerful and exceedingly rare 5.2-liter AMG engine
*The precursor to the legendary E-Class "Hammer"
*Reportedly the sole example with an AMG ID plate
*Requires recommissioning
THE MERCEDES-BENZ W123
The Mercedes-Benz W123 replaced the W114 in 1975 as the company's mid-sized volume-sales leader. The fresh, modern styling by Friedrich Geiger and Bruno Sacco struck a chord with buyers, who eagerly queued for this handsome new Mercedes model the moment it hit showrooms. In fact, demand was so strong that some customers resorted to paying thousands of Deutschmarks above MSRP for gently used models to avoid the long backlog from the factory.
It was Mercedes-Benz's own strict quality control measures that delayed production, and the W123's enduring popularity meant that the waiting list lasted clear through to the end of production in 1986. While Mercedes buyers of today pay for the latest technology and technical wizardry, the W123's premium price reflected the obsessive attention to quality and refinement. Over-engineered, meticulously built, and astoundingly durable, the W123 was perfect for everyone from affluent families to executives, to heads of state. Famously, base models served as taxis on nearly every continent and can still be found on duty, particularly in harsh environments. Professional drivers so loved the W123 that when its replacement, the W124, arrived in 1985, German taxi drivers took to the streets in protest!
Of course, the W123 is so much more than a taxicab, and is regarded as one of the finest quality mass production cars of all time, with nearly 3 million built between 1976 and 1986. While the four-door sedan comprised the bulk of production, other variants included a handsome coupe, a long-wheelbase limousine, and a stylish, practical estate. Never intended as a performance car, the most powerful factory engine offered was the 182 bhp Type M110 twin-cam inline-six petrol. An array of diesel engines was also offered, including the sophisticated 3-liter OM617 turbodiesel, known for being efficient, capable, and utterly bomb-proof – though was never going to trouble any Porsches on the Autobahn – which is where Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher come in.
THE CAR OFFERED
Perhaps AMG engineers had the Pontiac GTO in mind when they turned their attention to the mild-mannered W123 and stuffed the V8 engine from the full-size S-class into the mid-sized chassis. AMG recognized the potential lurking within, and this incredible 500 TE Wagon represents the zenith of the legendary tuner's work on the W123. This is one of just a handful of 123 TE estates given the full AMG treatment, and while the extent of these conversions varies wildly from car to car, AMG did so much more than simply shoehorn a big engine into a small car. Such was the extent of the modifications that they were allowed to assign their own ID numbers, as this example is reported to wear.
Central to this car is the Mercedes M117 V8 engine, which replaces the 2.8-liter six it was born with. Mr. Taylor's records suggest the V8 has been massaged by AMG, bumping it 5.2-liter specification (up from the standard 5.0) which period literature rates at a healthy 300 ps, or 295 bhp. The car also wears AMG's iconic body kit, blacked-out moldings, period split-rim BBS basketweave wheels, and is finished in its original shade of Astral Silver over a customized red interior.
As one of the first tuning companies to consider the entirety of the car, AMG included revised suspension and larger wheels to handle the additional power from the big V8 up front. While no documentation accompanies this car, it wears what Mr. Taylor claimed is an AMG ID plate and serial number, lending credibility to the possibility it is one of the few Affalterbach-built examples, although cars were also assembled by AMG distributors in the USA. A look at the firewall shows the original Mercedes-Benz serial number (123.093.12.008986) has been stamped out, and the replacement number punched in alongside it. Enthusiasts lucky enough to encounter this 500 TE through the years report that Mr. Taylor was particularly fond of it and used it as his "shop car" for his business, AMG West. Currently showing 82,894 KM at the time of cataloguing, it has been in storage since Mr. Taylor's passing, and while in Bonhams' care, it has not been run and will require recommissioning.
Mercedes-Benz wagons have long enjoyed a loyal following, and collectors have taken note in the recent years as great examples get thin on the ground. This fantastic and rare 500TE AMG is undoubtedly one of the coolest long-roof Mercedes we've encountered, with ample potential to star at your local Cars and Coffee – or as you leave soccer practice in a haze of tire smoke and V8 rumble.
Footnotes
Note, due to California emissions laws, this vehicle may only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside the state of California or to a licensed automotive dealer.
Saleroom notices
Please note, the seller's estate reports a 5.2-liter engine is fitted, however no documentation is available to support this and the engine has not been inspected internally. Please note that this title is in transit.