Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 99
1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 TE AMG Chassis no. 123.190.12.015685
Sold for US$39,200 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 99
1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 TE AMG
1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 TE AMG
Chassis no. 123.190.12.015685
Chassis no. 123.190.12.015685
4,973cc SOHC V8 Engine
Bosch K-Jetronic Fuel Injection
240bhp at 5,000rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Stunning, Mercedes V8 powered W123 wagon
*Highly restored example completed by marque specialists
*Finished in original colours
*Features all the period correct details and plethora of AMG components
*Rarely seen tuned wagon variant
THE MERCEDES-BENZ AMG
"For anyone wishing to give their Mercedes that extra personal touch, Mercedes-AMG GmbH has just the answers. The Daimler-Chrysler subsidiary offers the combined experience of Mercedes-Benz and AMG in the field of high-quality enhancements for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and puts the emphasis firmly on individuality when creating the customer's dream Mercedes." - Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
AMG, which is now the official performance division of Mercedes-Benz, has a long history of producing high-performance derivatives of Mercedes' standard production vehicles, and these improved versions enjoy an enthusiastic following world-wide, with prominent figures of the motor sport, entertainment, sport and business communities being counted among aficionados. Founded in 1967, two former Mercedes-Benz engineers, Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher started the company and began to develop a racing line of engines and be involved with a motorsports program. The name AMG stood for Aufrecht, Melcher and Großaspach, which was Aufrecht's place of birth in Germany. AMG and Mercedes started working together in 1990 and later in 1999, Daimler-Benz would acquire a majority stake in the Affalterbach-based company. Today, the name is a global powerhouse, and is the showcase of Mercedes-Benz' performance line.
THE CAR OFFERED
This fantastic looking Mercedes wagon was completed at the Mercedes-Benz Works 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 car was found in Chicago as an unfinished project. The car 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 bolt-off restoration, a process which lasted about 18 months with over 2,000-man hours completed.
During the restoration, the car was brought down to bare metal and painted in its original Signal Red color using Glasurit paint, the preferred paint of the Mercedes factory. The car also received a rust preventative treatment on the underbody and other key areas, then painted in its factory finish. The M117 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, HVAC components were also rebuilt, new carpets, new headliner, classic Cocomats and fully rebuilt and 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 the correctness and high probability of this being an original pre-merger example. 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 widely adjustable Recaro bucket seats, with working heating option, finish off the interior. The V8 engine features its large air cleaner with dual air inlets, reminiscent of many AMG big body builds at the time. The car will be accompanied by a tool kit as well as manuals. With an excellent restoration and superb rarity, this Autobahn-bruiser deserves serious consideration.
Saleroom notices
Please note, this vehicle is a 1980 Mercedes-Benz 300 series upgraded to 500 TE AMG Specification. Title in transit.
Additional information
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