For true automotive enthusiasts, the name “Mercedes-Benz Hammer” conjures images of raw power and bespoke engineering. Back in the late 1980s, Beverly Hills Motoring Accessories, the authorized AMG dealer before the official merger, was the place to witness these automotive legends firsthand. Among the imposing AMG-tuned Hammers, based on the W124 chassis and boasting wide bodies and monstrous 6.0L AMG engines, there was a more accessible dream: the “Baby Hammer.” This was the Mercedes-Benz 190E, the W201, imbued with the full AMG treatment, complete with body kit, distinctive wheels, and, crucially, a potent 3.2L AMG tuned engine.
As a young car aficionado in that era, I, Arnold Panganiban, would frequent the Beverly Hills showroom, captivated by these automotive masterpieces. Car magazines were my bible, and I devoured every article about these incredible machines. The Baby Hammer, in particular, held a special allure. It was the “entry-level” AMG, a stepping stone, albeit a very high one, into the world of AMG performance. The dream of owning one, personalized license plate reading “AMG 3.2L”, became deeply ingrained.
My passion for cars began in the Philippines, nurtured by an uncle who was not just a relative but a mentor. He lived and breathed automobiles, fixing them, racing them, and instilling in me a profound appreciation for the mechanics and artistry of cars. This early influence set the course for my life, leading me to tinkering with and racing cars myself as I grew older.
Fast forward to 1993, years after my Beverly Hills showroom visits and now working as a respiratory therapist on night shifts in California. During downtime at Olive View Medical Center, my eyes would scan the classifieds in the LA Times automotive section. A single line ad stopped me in my tracks: “190E 3.2 AMG $18,500”. Could it be? The Baby Hammer? Driven by an overwhelming curiosity, and a surge of hope, I called the number. The owner confirmed my wildest dreams – it was the BHMA Baby Hammer.
Without a moment’s rest after my night shift, fueled by adrenaline and anticipation, I drove to an upscale neighborhood in Pasadena. Nerves, excitement, and a touch of disbelief churned within me. This was the car from my dreams, finally within reach.
Imagine my surprise when a college-aged woman greeted me at the sprawling driveway. She presented the car, and it was breathtaking. It was exactly as I remembered it from the showroom in 1988, time seemingly having stood still. She explained it was a high school graduation gift from her father, and now, upon graduating college, she was upgrading to an SL500. Not a bad upgrade at all!
To cut to the chase, negotiations ensued, and the very next day, the Baby Hammer was mine. The personalized plate “AMG 3.2L” was already taken, a minor setback quickly overcome by securing “30 AMG” instead.
My love for this Baby Hammer is unwavering. It’s been a love affair that started in 1988 and continues to this day. Remarkably, this Mercedes-Benz 190E 3.2 AMG holds a unique record in my ownership – it has never once stalled on me.
The foundation is a standard 190E, but it’s elevated by the complete AMG transformation: the aggressive body kit, iconic AMG wheels, the heart of the beast – the 3.2-liter AMG tuned engine, and a luxurious full Zebrano wood interior. I have consciously maintained its original showroom condition, a testament to my appreciation for its timeless design and AMG pedigree. It remains exactly as I want it to be.
The car’s overall condition is exceptional. A repaint, expertly done two years prior by Valencia European body shop, refreshed its appearance. Everything else remains original, even down to the interior floor mats, preserving its authenticity.
From 1996 to 2012, this Baby Hammer served as my daily driver, a testament to its reliability and the robust engineering of Mercedes-Benz and AMG. Even after the repaint in 2012, it continued to perform flawlessly. Now, it’s a cherished weekend companion, often taken to the winding roads of Santa Clarita’s hills. Driving this car is pure, unadulterated joy, a satisfaction that transcends words.
This Mercedes-Benz 190E 3.2 AMG “Baby Hammer” is likely one of a kind, a rare gem that embodies the spirit of AMG’s golden era. Its recognition in prominent car magazines like Road & Track, Automobile, Auto Week, and now Petrolicious is a source of immense pride. It’s more than just a car; it’s a dream realized, a tangible piece of automotive history, and a continuing source of joy.
