DESCRIPTION
Very Rare, Fully Restored, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500TE AMG featured in Signal Red (DB568) with Black Interior. More than your average grocery getter, this fantastic looking W123 wagon was completed at the Daimler-Benz during February of 1980 and destined for the United States market. The early history of this car isn't known, the Carfax report states that the car was offered for sale back in 2013, as well as two visits for maintenance service in Michigan in the years 2015 and 2016. The car began life as a US market 300 series model and is believed to have been modified in period when it was relatively new. This wagon features an impressive list of period correct AMG accessories, the same included in Affalterbach built examples. The vehicle was found in Chicago as an unfinished project and had many characteristics and components that led to the belief the car was a legitimate AMG 500TE. Although this cannot be factualized, the sheer lineup of rare AMG parts on this wagon really showcases period correctness. The car was found to have a sound body, with the 5.0-liter M117 V8 engine intact, a wonderful specimen to receive a full restoration. The previous owner, a pre-merger AMG enthusiast, was reluctant to sell, however, a deal was finally made, and the car was acquired in July of 2018. The car was immediately sent out for a full restoration, a process which lasted about 18 months with over 2,000-man hours completed. During the restoration, the car was stripped to bare metal and painted in its original Signal Red color using the correct Glasurit paint. The car also received a rust preventative treatment on the underbody and other key areas, then painted in its factory finish. The M117 V-8 engine received a complete rebuild, utilizing many new and original Mercedes parts. The automatic transmission was also rebuilt, a new radiator was installed, the fuel tank was refreshed, new fuel lines and brake lines, restored rear differential, as well as new exhaust with AMG tailpipes. The interior received many refreshed items including rebuilt gauges, rebuilt HVAC components, new carpets, new headliner, classic Coco mats and fully restored Recaro seats. All of the AMG components on the car show true period correct details. Some pre-merger AMG followers have gone through this car and have attested to its correctness. The car features color matched AMG Penta alloy wheels, AMG four-spoke steering wheel, AMG speedometer, AMG aero kit including front fascia, side skirts, rear valance and more. The adjustable Recaro bucket seats, with working heating option, finish off the interior. The V8 engine features its large air cleaner with dual air inlets, AMG exhaust, reminiscent of many AMG big body builds at the time. Mileage is 746 since full restoration and restoration costs far exceeded $100k. We have have done some minor sorting here at EAS and it is ready for open road fun or grocery getting if you prefer. Sale includes all paperwork, manuals, and original tool kit. Buy with confidence with a 60-Day EAS Mechanical Warranty!
