Beschrijving
An absolute rarity, modified by AMG, its looks are irresistible. The Mercedes W124 succeeded the W123 models in 1985 before being in turn obliterated by the E-Class W210 in 1995. It went on to become the W124 saloon, the S124 estate, the C124 coupé, the A124 cabriolet and the V124 limousine, with the success it is known for in the middle-class saloon segment.
Although its production figures were lower than those of its predecessor, it symbolised the quintessence of the Daimler-Benz tradition, with a quality of finish that exceeded the standards of the time, faultless reliability and a ride comfort that met the demands of the German manufacturer's customers.
From the 4-cylinder 72 bhp diesel to the beastly 500E equipped with a 326 bhp V8, Mercedes thought of everyone who wanted to drive a Mercedes... in the end, 2, 724, 381 examples were produced! The model that interests us here had a much more confidential production run. At the end of the 1980s, the Affalterbach tuner offered mechanical improvements and body kits for various models in the range, in particular the 300 CE. They increased the capacity of the M103 from 3. 0 litres to 3. 2 litres and replaced the camshaft and intake. As a result, the power of the 6-cylinder engine rose from 188 to 234 bhp. The 300 CE coupé went on to be produced in 2 other versions: the 3. 4-litre version based on the M104 engine and developing 274 bhp, and the legendary Hammer, the most powerful version of which was equipped with a 6. 0-litre V8 engine developing 385 bhp. These different versions were produced in very limited numbers, with each one estimated to have been made in a few dozen examples, so they are extremely rare on the market today. The example we are presenting here is a 300 CE coupé that was launched in Japan in November 1988. Under its bonnet is a 3. 2-litre, 6-cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed automatic gearbox. In addition to this mechanical optimisation, our example has benefited from a body kit comprising front and rear bumpers and special rocker panels. In addition to this mechanical optimisation, our car benefited from a body kit that included special front and rear bumpers, body-coloured 16-inch AMG wheels and a ducktail-type spoiler on the rear boot. The sum of all these appendages, combined with an Arctic white body colour, gives this car a beastly look. In the cabin, the tone is set by a 4-spoke steering wheel with the AMG logo, counters with specific white backgrounds graduated up to 300 kph and some AMG badges. The black leather upholstery corresponds to the production model and is very well preserved, as is the cabin, which is in very good condition.
Our road test was entirely satisfactory and demonstrated the full potential of this car, which can be demonic when the accelerator pedal is pushed. Our very well preserved example therefore deserves the interest of the most demanding collectors. Its rarity, looks and performance make it one of the most desirable youngtimers in German production.
