My automotive passion ignited in 1998, thanks to Luc Besson’s Taxi. The silver Mercedes-Benz 500E, a true German rocket, chasing a white Peugeot through Marseille’s streets, left an indelible mark. Like many young car enthusiasts, this film fueled my dreams of powerful and sophisticated automobiles, and the Mercedes-Benz 500E quickly became a dream car.
As I delved deeper into the world of automobiles, I discovered just how exceptional the 500E truly was. Partially developed and hand-built by Porsche in Stuttgart for Mercedes-Benz, it boasted a 0-60mph time of just 5.5 seconds. This blistering acceleration was only marginally slower than the Ferrari Testarossa, a far more exotic and expensive supercar. The 500E, electronically limited, could reach 160mph with its robust 4-speed automatic gearbox. It rightfully earned the title König der Autobahn (King of the Autobahn), yet remained practical enough for daily driving and spacious enough for family weekend trips.
In 1993, Mercedes-Benz rebranded the 500E as the E500, aligning with their new naming strategy. However, this era also marked the arrival of something even more extraordinary: the Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG. This limited-production model represented the pinnacle of the W124 sedan lineage, a true testament to AMG’s performance engineering before its full integration with Mercedes-Benz.
The E60 AMG was built upon the E500 platform but incorporated the coveted 957 “AMG Technik Paket.” The most significant upgrade was the engine: a potent 6.0L V8 replaced the standard 5.0L M119 V8, delivering a substantial boost in power and torque. Further enhancing its performance and visual appeal were 17-inch wheels, borrowed from the legendary 190E Evo II, a stiffer, AMG-tuned suspension for sharper handling, and a distinctive AMG exhaust system that amplified the V8’s roar. Pinpointing the exact production numbers of the E60 AMG remains challenging, with estimates ranging from a mere 100 to 150 units. Regardless of the precise figure, its extreme rarity is undeniable, making it a highly sought-after collector’s car.
The ambiguity surrounding production numbers stems from the way these pre-merger AMGs were often created. In many instances, customers would purchase a new E500 and then send it directly to Affalterbach, the home of AMG, then still an independent tuner. AMG would then perform the transformation, installing the 6.0L V8 engine and completing the rest of the performance upgrades. This process makes distinguishing a factory-built E60 AMG from an upgraded 500E/E500 incredibly difficult today. Authentic factory E60 AMG models, however, do carry a specific code within their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), offering a definitive way to identify them, provided no fraudulent activities have obscured the car’s true origin.
Finding a Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG is akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. These cars are exceptionally rare and seldom appear for sale. Acquiring one often relies on pre-existing knowledge of a specific car or sheer luck. Sometimes, life’s most memorable experiences unfold unexpectedly – chance encounters in travel, serendipitous meetings, and, in my case, an unplanned discovery of a dream car. This is precisely how I stumbled upon the magnificent E60 AMG featured here.
Earlier this year, a spontaneous invitation from friends and the allure of budget-friendly plane tickets to Vladikavkaz, Russia, rerouted my travel plans from Georgia. A short trip, filled with Georgian wine, culture, and lasting memories, ensued. On our return journey, with ample time to spare in Vladikavkaz before our flight, I decided to explore the city, hoping to find a car to photograph.
Fate intervened swiftly. A year prior, I had learned of a low-mileage 1995 BMW M5 in Vladikavkaz, finished in the rare Dakar Yellow. Only a handful of E34 M5s were produced in this striking color, with three reportedly residing in Russia. I contacted the owner online, inquiring about the Dakar Yellow M5. To my surprise, he agreed to meet. However, he cautioned that the M5 was dusty, with a dead battery, and offered to showcase another car from his collection instead.
While many car enthusiasts might readily agree to a photoshoot of their prized possessions, my experience with collectors in Russia suggested otherwise. Often, these individuals, typically successful professionals in their 40s, value their privacy and time, hesitant to grant strangers intimate access to their automotive treasures.
However, luck was on my side. Within an hour, Konstantin arrived in a rare 1996 Carlsson CM 62, one of only two ever produced. When I inquired about its origin, the answer was predictable: “Japan. Like my other cars. Come see them, we can take this Carlsson or another, your choice.” Carte blanche indeed.
A short drive later, I found myself in Konstantin’s garage, surrounded by an enviable collection of 90s German super sedans. Beyond a standard E34 535i, each car represented the pinnacle of performance and luxury of that era. Alongside the Carlsson CM 62 and the Dakar Yellow M5, there was a 1992 Alpina B10 Bi-Turbo, and, the star of the day, a 1994 Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG.
The feeling of finally encountering a dream car in person is hard to articulate. Twenty years after Taxi ignited my passion for this machine, there it was, in three dimensions. Many car enthusiasts can relate to this sentiment, even if the E60 AMG isn’t their personal dream car. Inside the garage, the E60 AMG appeared almost black, but as Konstantin rolled it into the daylight, its Azuritblau paint revealed a deep blue hue, tinged with violet undertones from certain angles.
We drove around Vladikavkaz, eventually stopping for a meal as Konstantin shared the car’s history. His lifelong passion for Mercedes-Benz was evident, having owned several and still desiring more. His ultimate Mercedes-Benz, if forced to choose, was the W140-generation BRABUS 7.3S, the fastest and most luxurious sedan of its time, and, unsurprisingly, he owned one with remarkably low mileage. Always seeking to expand his collection, he discovered this stunning E60 AMG at auction in Japan and imported it to Russia.
Upon arrival, the E60 AMG underwent a comprehensive service before being unleashed on the Caucasus roads. Fortunately, it was already in excellent condition, requiring only routine maintenance. The car had received a brake system upgrade in Japan, necessitating larger 18-inch wheels, replacing the original ones. Direct Racing Fuji, who previously serviced the car in Japan, had also subtly enhanced the suspension with high-quality German H&R components, preserving Mercedes-Benz’s renowned ride comfort while sharpening handling responsiveness.
Inevitably, our time together drew to a close as my flight beckoned. We settled back into the supportive Recaro CSE seats for a final exhilarating drive to the airport. Even by modern standards, the E60 AMG feels incredibly fast, almost intimidating depending on the road’s width. I anticipated a rapid airport run powered by its 381 horsepower, but the car effortlessly surpassed 100mph, feeling completely composed. Only the blurring scenery hinted at our velocity. The E60 AMG remained quiet, smooth, and utterly assured at high speeds, living up to its reputation as the König der Autobahn.
