by Rare pre-merger AMG: Wide-body coupe from Japan goes up for auction
Long before AMG became the official performance division of Mercedes-Benz, the company created some of the most extravagant and desirable German automobiles. While most know about the legendary Hammer, this wide-body 300 CE-24 coupe proves that in Affalterbach, they didn’t need a giant V8 to create something special.
Currently, this 1992 vehicle is listed for sale on the Bring a Trailer platform. It is one of approximately 25 examples that received the full AMG 3.4 specification immediately after production. The mileage is 83,000 miles (134,000 km), but the car’s condition hardly shows it.
Engine and Performance
The coupe started out as a regular 300 CE-24 before being sent to AMG Germany. There, the M104 inline-six-cylinder engine underwent a serious upgrade. Displacement grew from 3.0 to 3.4 liters thanks to increased bore and stroke. New AMG camshafts raised output to a claimed 268 hp (272 PS). This is a significant increase over the standard 217 hp (220 PS), making the elegant coupe worthy of its aggressive looks.
Design and Condition
The car’s appearance is truly aggressive. Finished in Blue-Black Metallic, it features classic AMG flared fenders, a deeper body kit, front spoiler, rear spoiler, and magnificent three-piece AMG wheels. The car looks ready for the role of a villain’s car in a yakuza thriller, which is fitting, as it was sent to Japan after its original AMG conversion.
The interior is also period-correct. Heated Recaro Classic sports seats, an AMG instrument cluster, genuine wood trim, and a Technics cassette stereo system create exactly the atmosphere you’d expect from an elite tuned car of that era. Unlike many modified cars, this example has avoided unnecessary modern updates.
Sale Preparation
The seller claims to have invested significant funds in preparing the car for sale. Engine maintenance was performed with its removal, including replacing seals and many wear items. The transmission was also removed and refurbished simultaneously. New Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires are meant to help the old AMG put its power down more effectively.
Value and Rarity
Of course, this is not a Hammer. Cars with the thunderous 6.0-liter V8 from AMG are in a completely different financial category. For instance, one such example sold for $885,000 in 2023. However, for many enthusiasts, this six-cylinder wide-body coupe represents the ideal combination of rarity, practicality, and the pure pre-merger AMG spirit. Don’t be surprised if the bidding gets serious.
This car is not just a rare specimen, but a witness to an entire era in automotive history. AMG before the merger with Mercedes-Benz was an independent tuning shop that wasn’t afraid to experiment. While 268 horsepower seems modest today, it was a serious statement for the early 1990s. The combination of Japanese import, original condition, and documented history makes this coupe a potentially very sound investment. Unlike the V8 ‘Hammers’, the price for such six-cylinder versions can still be relatively accessible for collectors seeking a true ‘grail’.
