Chassis No. WDB1240311B545995

Engine No. 104.980.10.005530

Sold new in Germany, this 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 E was destined for quite a different trajectory than the other 258,000-odd 300 E-Classes produced. As noted on its options tag by code 990, the car was slated to go to AMG for performance modifications. While many pre-merger AMGs do not have their original AMG build sheets, the digital copy of its original Fahrzeugbrief details the car as being approved for registration equipped with an AMG exhaust system, AMG springs, AMG shock absorbers, AMG 8x17 inch Aero I Monoblock wheels, AMG front and rear spoilers, AMG side skirts, AMG rear apron, and an AMG speedometer with a 280 km/h indicated top speed. The speedometer change is arguably the most important upgrade of them all, alongside AMG's 3.4-liter "M104" inline-six. Both factors culminate to authenticate this car as a genuine, per-merger AMG built car.

Known for its stringent TÜV inspections, the car received an official inspection following its completion at Affalterbach on 26 September 1991, as noted on the Fahrzeugbrief. This inspection verified that the car received the aforementioned upgrades and would be legal to register for use in Germany. Further review shows that the car was first registered to the official Mercedes-Benz dealership of Wuppertal on 16 September 1992.

From there, the car is believed to have remained in Germany for the majority of its life, passing through a limited number of owners. Shortly before it was imported to the United States, a major service was performed by Lara's Garage GmbH & Co. KG of Waldenbuch, Germany. This service included replacing the cylinder head gasket, timing chain tensioner, refinishing the differential, dry ice cleaning of the undercarriage, and performing an engine and differential oil change. More recently, Driver Source serviced the car where an oil change was performed, a new hood pad installed, repaired the radio, charged air conditioning, and rebalanced the wheels. Additionally, the car is reported to have received in excess of $4,000 worth of dry ice cleaning.

As presented today, this rare, pre-merger Affalterbach-built AMG is a stellar example of the breed. Complete with digital copies of its original Fahrzeugbrief, service documentation, and two sets of keys, this 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 E 3.4 AMG with its sporting dogleg five-speed manual transmission and eye-catching Black Fabric interior with Sportline cloth inserts on the seats and door panels is ready to provide an exhilarating ride while highlighting an important period in AMG history.