When Mercedes-Benz replaced the W123 with the W124-model 200-300 series in 1984, the top model was the 3.0L straight-six powered Mercedes 300E. It wasn't long before tuners picked up the W124 and started modifying it in every way possible. SGS made a 2-door convertible, Schulz Tuning stretched it to a six-door limo and AMG did....well what AMG could do best: upgrading the performance to a staggering levell and enhancing the looks of the car carfully to match the upgraded power.

 

AMG offered several different options for the W124, both cosmetics-wise and performance-wise. By far the most spectacular modification done by AMG performance-wise was transplanting the V8 powerplant from the W126-model S-class into the W124's enginebay, replacing the 300E's 3 litre straight-six engine. The engine initially used for the AMG Hammer was the 5.0L (or the bored 5.4L) V8 32-valve DOHC engine from the first generation W126 AMG's. This modification was introduced in 1986 and from 1987 onward the 5.0L 1st Gen engine was replaced by a newer 5.6L engine from the 2nd generation W126 (engine used in both the 560SE/SEL and 560SEC). This engine could be left it's original 5.6L displacement or bored to 6.0L. All V8 powered AMG W124s got the "Hammer" nickname, which does do the car justice. 

 

When AMG introduced the 300E with V8 engine in 1986 the new engine led to much improved performance over the stock 300E: the 5.0L 32-valve DOHC engine delivered 340BHP, the bored 5.4L engine 355BHP, the later 5.6L AMG Hammers developed 360BHP, 60BHP more than the stock 5.6L Mercedes engine. Last but not least the power output of the 6.0L engine: 375BHP. The V8 powered 300Es by AMG were among the first 4-door saloons to hit the 300 KM/H barrier, which was unheard of the in the 1980s and still is quite staggering these days, 25 years later.

 

 

 

This AMG 300E 5.6 (560E) was probably one of the first ones made with the new 5.6L engine as introduced in 1987. Note that the MB-star has dissapeared from the hood (at least for the photo) since AMG wasn't part of Mercedes-Benz back in 1987 and the new engine didn't have full approval from the boys in Stuttgart.

 

 

 

 


 

 

This is one of the AMG 300E Hammers that was built and sold by AMG of North America. It's all-red livery (grill and other trimm included) sure makes it a looker. The W124 was one of the cars that was seen very frequently with the then new AMG Aero I wheels, on this car polished. Very US, very nice.

 

 

Apart from the fact that this red AMG Mercedes 300E "Hammer" is a US-spec car, it's also different from the above because it has the 6.0L engine.

 

Isn't it weird to see such an expensive car with only one wingmirror? Well, the Testarossa had it too so it was cool I guess.

 

 

 

How do I recognize the 1980s..... This leaves no doubt.

 

Compare the trunk spoiler with the Euro grey 560E AMG above. The red car has a trunk with the duckbill spoiler more or less melted with the trunk, where the grey car has it a visible part. This option was available only from AMG of North America and was carefully crafted in metal

 

 


 

Another US-spec AMG Mercedes 300E 5.6 "Hammer", this time a black car.

 

It features the standard "Hammer" features, like the Aero I wheels in black and the full Hammer bodykit.

 

 Just as the above red AMG 300E Hammer, this car has the US-spec trunklid.

 

 

 

 

 

 



Text: copyright Bram Corts 2013

 

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