1. Top 5 Mercedes-Benz models worth considering

2. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 AMG Wide Body

3. 1994 Mercedes-Benz E500

4. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 TE AMG Estate

5. 1981 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL AMG

6. 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC Cabriolet

Top 5 Mercedes-Benz models worth considering

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for combining luxury with exceptional performance, and these classic models are no exception. Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing iconic cars, and some of their models from the late ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s have become highly sought-after classics. Below, we explore five standout Mercedes-Benz models from this era, highlighting what makes each one special and worth considering for any car enthusiast or collector.

1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 AMG Wide Body

This model is a true masterpiece from the pre-merger days of AMG, making it a rare and highly desirable car. The 560 AMG Wide Body takes the classic 560SEC coupe and elevates it with a wider stance and a significantly more powerful engine.

Key Highlights:

• Engine: Despite being branded as a 560, this model actually has a 6.0-liter V8 engine, delivering immense power and torque compared to the standard 5.6-liter version.
• Performance: The larger engine offers twice the torque at lower RPMs, ensuring a smooth and powerful ride.
• Design: Its wide-body design, with flared wheel arches to accommodate wider tires, gives it an aggressive and muscular look that stands out on the road.
• Rarity: With only around 50 units ever produced, it’s one of the most exclusive Mercedes-AMG models from the era.

1994 Mercedes-Benz E500

The E500 is a legend among “super sedans” and is widely regarded as one of the finest collaborations between Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. It blends the timeless elegance of the W124 chassis with the power of a 5.0-liter V8 engine.

Key Highlights:

• Performance: The Porsche-engineered suspension and chassis, combined with the 5.0-liter V8 engine, offer a dynamic and exhilarating driving experience, unmatched by many other sedans of its time.
• Comfort: Despite its impressive performance, the E500 maintains the luxurious interior and high-quality materials that Mercedes-Benz is known for, making it an ideal daily driver.
• Rarity: As a hand-assembled car, each E500 went through rigorous production processes, with only a limited number made. The 1994 model, in particular, stands out as it marks the facelift and the name change from 500E to E500.

1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 TE AMG Estate

This model represents one of the earliest collaborations between AMG and Mercedes-Benz, long before AMG became the official in-house tuning division. The 500 TE AMG is a high-performance version of the classic W123 estate, known for its reliability and durability.

Key Highlights:

• Power: Equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine, this estate offers surprising performance for a car designed to be practical and spacious.
• Utility and Style: Combining the utility of a station wagon with AMG performance makes it a unique choice for collectors. It’s perfect for those who need both power and practicality.
• Rarity: Very few of these AMG-tuned estates were produced, making them a rare find on the market today. Its unique status as a high-performance wagon sets it apart from other classics.

1981 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL AMG

The 450 SEL AMG is a true icon of the early 1980s, combining the elegance of the W116 S-Class with raw performance enhancements by AMG. It’s a luxurious sedan with serious power under the hood.

Key Highlights:

• Engine: The 450 SEL AMG was equipped with a monstrous 6.9-liter V8 engine, one of the largest engines Mercedes-Benz ever put into a production car at the time.
• Luxury Meets Performance: While it maintains all the luxury features of the flagship S-Class—such as plush interiors, advanced technology for the time, and a smooth ride—the AMG tuning makes it a much more dynamic and thrilling car to drive.
• Heritage: This model represents AMG’s early days, where their tuning expertise was used to push the boundaries of what a luxury sedan could do. It’s perfect for those who appreciate performance without compromising on comfort.

1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC Cabriolet

Though Mercedes-Benz never officially produced a convertible version of the W126, several coachbuilders stepped in to offer cabriolet conversions. The 560 SEC Cabriolet is one of the most stylish and luxurious custom-built convertibles of its time.

Key Highlights:

• Unique Design: This cabriolet conversion is expertly crafted, maintaining the elegant proportions of the W126 coupe while offering the joy of open-top driving.
• Luxury: Like the standard 560 SEC, it offers a luxurious cabin with premium materials, high-end technology (for its era), and a refined driving experience.
• Style Factor: With the top down, the 560 SEC Cabriolet exudes class and sophistication. It’s perfect for cruising on sunny days and is a true head-turner wherever it goes.

Are you already a proud owner of a Mercedes W124, Mercedes W123, Mercedes W116 and Mercedes W126? If so, check out our selection of parts for this car at the following link:

https://octoclassic.com/product-category/mercedes-benz/w124

https://octoclassic.com/product-category/mercedes-benz/w123

https://octoclassic.com/product-category/mercedes-benz/w116

https://octoclassic.com/product-category/mercedes-benz/w126

Photos sources: Uncrate, classic.com, 24SATA, rmsothebys.com, RM Sotheby’s, SLSHOP.com