Before Audi launches the RS2 Avant and BMW unveils its first M5 Touring, AMG’s North American divisions are already developing their own high-performance Station wagon. In the picture, this special model one-off nicknamed “The Mallet” is the only 1988 Mercedes in the world. 300 TE 6.0 AMG, currently up for auction on RM Sotheby’s website.
The story of this Mercedes-Benz 300 TE 6.0 AMG starts with Richard Buxbaum, the founder of AMG in North America. Mr. Richard Buxbaum was commissioned to build a V8 Wagon in 1987. Since the car was ordered by a very wealthy customer, it was equipped with a 6.0-liter engine with newly developed 32V technology, providing the vehicle with a maximum horsepower of 375 horsepower.
The super AMG station wagon immediately attracted media attention at the time, and it was named The Hammer, but Richard Buxbaum believed that its high price would make it difficult to find other interested buyers. However, the founder of AMG North America feels that if he puts a 16V valve-powered version into production, he may find enough customers to realize the limited production of this performance station wagon. So Mr. Richard Buxbaum and his team built this Mercedes 300 TE prototype 6.0 AMG prototype car.
In addition to being equipped with a V8 engine with a maximum horsepower of 310 horsepower, it is also equipped with wider fenders, 16-inch AMG monoblock wheels, stainless steel exhaust pipes, customized interiors, etc. In terms of control, the Mercedes 300 TE 6.0 AMG is equipped with the limited-slip differential of the S-Class sedan, and is equipped with carefully designed accessories such as short springs and customized anti-roll bars to ensure that the automatic leveling suspension system can work properly.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 TE 6.0 AMG prototype was well received by media including the well-known Car and Driver, and gave it the nickname “The Mallet”. Although the power of this performance station wagon is too amazing, it is said that its performance can surpass that of the Porsche 911 Carrera, Chevrolet Corvette, BMW M5, Lamborghini Jalpa and Ferrari 412!
Unfortunately, this plan of North American AMG founder Richard Buxbaum never succeeded, but this Mercedes-Benz 300 TE 6.0 AMG prototype has also become a very unique car in the history of North American AMG. It is estimated that this unique AMG station wagon, which is being auctioned on the RM Sotheby’s website, could fetch between $300,000 and $400,000.
