The Mercedes-Benz 280E, a distinguished member of the W123 family, is renowned for its engineering excellence and timeless design. However, for those seeking an elevated driving experience, the touch of AMG transformed this elegant sedan into something truly special. Before AMG became the official performance division of Mercedes-Benz, it was an independent entity crafting high-performance marvels. This Mercedes Benz 280e AMG represents that exciting era, showcasing a blend of Mercedes-Benz luxury and AMG’s potent performance enhancements.
AMG’s story began in 1967, founded by former Mercedes-Benz engineers Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher. Their initial focus was on developing racing engines and injecting motorsport DNA into Mercedes-Benz vehicles, a domain the factory had, at the time, stepped back from officially pursuing. AMG quickly gained notoriety, most famously with the “Red Pig,” a modified Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.8 that stunned the racing world by dominating its class and achieving second overall at the 1971 Spa 24 Hours. This victory cemented AMG’s reputation for transforming Mercedes-Benz cars into high-performance machines.
The relationship between AMG and Mercedes-Benz flourished over the years. AMG was instrumental in Mercedes-Benz’s successful Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM) racing program in the 1980s and 90s. This partnership evolved into an official collaboration in 1990, culminating in Daimler-Benz acquiring a majority stake in AMG in 1999. Today, AMG is synonymous with Mercedes-Benz performance globally.
Beyond their racing achievements, AMG offered a wide array of upgrades for Mercedes-Benz road cars. From subtle styling enhancements to comprehensive drivetrain overhauls, enthusiasts could tailor their Mercedes-Benz to their performance desires. This European-spec Mercedes Benz 280E is a prime example of a pre-merger AMG creation, meticulously enhanced with a full suite of AMG components and a finely tuned M110 inline-six engine.
Originally well-appointed from the factory, this 280E boasted features such as a sophisticated automatic gearbox, a luxurious Palomino leather interior, a Champagne Yellow exterior, an electric sunroof, cruise control (Tempomat), Behr air conditioning, heated seats, and headlight washers. While concrete documentation is absent, it’s believed this particular 280E was entrusted to AMG in Affalterbach early in its life for extensive upgrades. These enhancements included a distinctive AMG body kit, darkened exterior trim elements, striking color-matched black and Champagne Yellow BBS alloy wheels, and engine modifications that reportedly boosted the output of the twin-cam inline-six to an impressive 225bhp.
Alt text: Front view of a classic Mercedes Benz 280E W123 AMG showcasing its iconic grille and AMG body kit.
Part of the esteemed Barry Taylor Collection, this rare 280E AMG has been carefully stored indoors, preserving its desirable AMG components. Having been in storage, it requires recommissioning before returning to the road. However, once revitalized, this Mercedes Benz 280E AMG is poised to be a standout at classic car events like RADwood® and a prized addition to any collection of significant Mercedes-Benz automobiles. Its unique history and pre-merger AMG enhancements make it a compelling piece of automotive history, bridging the gap between Mercedes-Benz luxury and pure, unadulterated performance tuning.
Alt text: Side profile of a Mercedes Benz 280E W123 AMG highlighting its sporty stance, AMG wheels, and classic sedan silhouette.
