When Mercedes-Benz heralded the arrival of the W124 as the successor to the widely respected W123 at the close of 1984, a wave of apprehension rippled through its loyal customer base. The W123 had cemented its reputation for unparalleled durability, and there were concerns whether its replacement could measure up. German taxi operators even staged protests at Mercedes-Benz factories, expressing their worries about losing the robust and dependable W123 sedans they had come to rely on. However, these fears proved unfounded as the W124 emerged as a worthy heir, embodying exceptional build quality, meticulous Mercedes-Benz engineering, and a timeless, understated design crafted by the renowned Bruno Sacco and his design team. Mirroring the W123’s versatility, the W124 was available in Sedan, Coupe, and Estate configurations, with a 2-door cabriolet enriching the lineup later in its production run, further hinting at the roadster spirit that would eventually fully materialize. While not explicitly conceived as a high-performance sports car in its initial sedan form, the W124 offered impressive high-speed cruising capabilities, stable handling, and the signature vault-like construction Mercedes-Benz was known for. Even in its early sedan guise, the seeds of a future Mercedes roadster experience were subtly present in its design and engineering.
The artisans at AMG in Affalterbach applied their renowned expertise to the W124 platform, creating a spectrum of enhancements from subtle aesthetic refinements to the breathtakingly powerful 6-liter, 183-mph Hammer sedan – a vehicle that achieved legendary status among those who followed automotive publications like Road & Track during the 1980s. Despite its somewhat boxy silhouette, the W124 possessed surprisingly aerodynamic efficiency. AMG further refined this with meticulously designed bumpers, side skirts, and rear spoiler, reducing the drag coefficient to an impressively low 0.24. This focus on aerodynamic improvement and performance foreshadowed the open-top driving experience that would later be fully realized in a true Mercedes roadster variant of the W124 lineage.
The specific vehicle presented is a 1985 230E, an early iteration of the W124 sedan, equipped with a 2.3-liter engine and a manual transmission. Finished in a deep blue hue, it showcases a comprehensive AMG body kit and interior enhancements, along with indications of performance modifications such as a tubular exhaust header. Sources suggest this particular car was featured in a period advertising campaign for either Adidas or Puma athletic footwear, earning it the moniker “The Blue Shoe.” Intriguingly, there’s a belief that this early model served as a development platform for aerodynamic testing of bodywork elements that were subsequently incorporated into the iconic Hammer series. However, concrete documentation to substantiate this claim has not yet been discovered. Inside, the vehicle boasts an AMG steering wheel and AMG-branded gauge faces, further enhancing its sporty and exclusive feel, hinting at the performance and style associated with a Mercedes roadster.
During its time under Bonhams’ care, this 230E has remained inactive and will necessitate recommissioning following a period of storage. Once revitalized, it promises to be a compelling presence at local Cars and Coffee gatherings, or within the burgeoning 1980s car categories at regional concours events. It undoubtedly represents a valuable addition to any collection of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, particularly for enthusiasts of pre-merger AMG and those who appreciate the early expressions of Mercedes roadster DNA within the W124 series.
