This 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.4 AMG is a European spec example manufactured in April of 1984. Cuyler P. Medore was the original owner who ordered the car through a broker out of Paris, France named Herve Gachon. Herve purchased the car on behalf of Mr. Medore in July of 1984 and was immediately sent to Affalterbach for the AMG conversion. In January of 1987, the 500SEL 5.4 AMG was sold through Progressive Motors and purchased by Ray Gustafson where it spent time in the Boca Raton area until the early 2000s when he gave the car to his son, Jeff Gustafson, in the greater Chicago area who later posted it for sale on BenzWorld.org in October, 2009 when the current owner procured it. Finished in Anthracite Gray Metallic (172) over Black Leather (251), power is provided by an AMG modified 5.4-liter V8 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. In 2009-2010 significant mechanical restoration and deferred maintenance was performed at Blue Ridge Mercedes including front and rear suspension, fuel system, HVAC vacuum pods, A/C compressor and R-12 refrigerant, transmission rebuild, sourcing and installing correct AMG Sebring exhaust components along with custom fabricated downpipes, ignition wire set and correct W5DC spark plugs, recovering the rear parcel shelf with black leather, front and rear new/rebuilt calipers, rotors and pads. In 2016, the seller had a complete engine tear down and rebuilt the motor including lighter forged pistons with the work being done by himself and his brother, who is a part-time race race engineer. Equipment includes authentic 16″ AMG five spoke wheels with painted Anthracite Gray Metallic centers, a full optioned AMG body kit, an operational AMG optioned Clarion G-80 stereo system, integrated modern streaming functions, original Recaro seats, automatic climate control, a sunroof, and power windows. This W126 shows 93,124 kilometers (~58k miles) and is now offered with four master keys and one valet key, EPA/DOT importation papers, AMG provenance documents from the factory, documentation tracing the car and its ownership lineage back to new, original purchase documents for the AMG conversion, photo documentation for the engine rebuild, tool kit, and a spare painted Penta wheel. This 500SEL 5.4 AMG is legally registered in Georgia via bill of sale under the 25-year-old law. The seller will provide registration and a bill of sale to the new owner.
The car is finished in Anthracite Gray Metallic (172) with paint-matched lower cladding and the seller has provided detailed paint meter readings on multiple points per panel showing original paint. Features include an authentic AMG body kit consisting of side skirts, front spoiler, rear skirt, and trunk spoiler. The seller has provided pictures of the authentic AMG stamps in the plastic castings for each piece of trim. The trunk spoiler retains its original paint-protection film on the corners of each quarter panel. Euro-market bumpers remain mounted along with European-market headlamps and a metal sunroof. Amber corner lights are shown in excellent condition in the gallery as are the Euro brake lights which remain original to the car. Original AMG Sebring rear muffler and center resonator have been installed with polished tips. All glass is original to the car and a thorough walkaround video is attached below with background context of each aspect of its exterior. Original red and gold pin striping is seen tracing the shoulders of this AMG that match the original French license plate.
Authentic 16″ AMG five spoke wheels are paint-matched to the body and are wrapped with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires measuring 225/50 front with 2024 date codes and 245/45 rear showing 2023 date codes. Tires were mounted in January 2025 by the reputable race shop Gran Turismo East in Atlanta. The factory jack, warning triangle, and complete tool kit are included in the trunk. Original white AMG springs are photographed in the gallery and the AMG Bilstein shocks were sent to Bilstein for refurbishment in 2010 as part of the larger mechanical restoration. New ATE brake calipers were installed on the front during the reconditioning along with cryogenically treated Ate slotted rotors. Authentic AMG center caps are fitted to all four wheels. The extensive driving video shows no suspension wear or failed components.
The interior is finished in Black Leather (251) with refinished burl wood trim accents and additional wood trim front/rear optioned during the AMG conversion. Recaro front seats were also optioned in 1984 and show in original condition with all functions operational. The garage kept condition of this W126 is apparent in the coloring of the blue seat adjustments on the thigh bolsters. These will turn light blue with extended UV exposure. Amenities include automatic climate control, an electrically adjustable passenger side mirror, and a ClarionG-80 rack stereo system which is operational with the AMG Loud Speaker System seen through the trunk and rear parcel shelf. The cassette tape player is stated to be not operational. Streaming capabilities via cable have been retrofitted. The wood trim on the dashboard and center console were sent to Madera Concepts for refurbishment under the current owner’s stewardship. An AMG-specific burl wood shift knob was also optioned during the conversion as well as glass breakage sensors installed by the original French dealer.
The four-spoke Italvolanti AMG steering wheel with a W126 correct 500X hub frames an authentic AMG 190-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer with an inset analog clock, and a combination gauge for coolant temperature, fuel level, oil pressure, and instant fuel economy. The six-digit odometer shows 93,124 kilometers (~58k miles). With the rear differential having been converted from 2.24:1 to a 2.82:1 ratio in 2010 by the seller, the current odometer reading is inaccurate.
The Euro 5.4-liter M117 V8 is equipped with ceramic coated tubular headers and was rated at 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque when new. After the engine rebuild with upgraded internals, the seller states power should be in the neighborhood of 325+ horsepower and 375+ ft/lbs of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 722.3 four-speed automatic transmission. Authentic AMG stamps are photographed on the end of each camshaft denoting 50.1. These were designated for the 5.0-liter M117 engines, hence the “50.1” stamp in the metal. The AMG camshafts have a more aggressive valve lift and duration than stock M117 camshafts. The solid liters allow higher RPM while avoiding valve float from the hydraulic valve actuation at the higher than stock RPM range and all sixteen rocker arms have been lightened by AMG which aid in achieving higher RPMs and were polished, reducing rotational friction in the engine. The ticking heard in the engine idle segment of the provided video is because of the solid lifters. The seller used lightened Wossner forged pistons during the engine rebuild to provide a faster revving engine, less rotational mass internally, and a more aggressive crown design for increased compression ratio. Seen in the gallery is a new timing chain, guides, new head bolts, rod bearings, new plating, polished valve covers, and a slight displacement bump up to about 5.5 liters.
Extensive photo documentation for the reconditioning will accompany the car with some provided in the gallery. This rare 500SEL 5.4 AMG is now offered with four master keys and one valet key, EPA/DOT importation papers, AMG provenance documents from the factory, original purchase documents for the AMG conversion, Recaro seats, operational Clarion sound system, manufacturer’s literature, photo documentation for the engine rebuild, tool kit, and a spare body matched painted Penta wheel. This 500SEL AMG 5.4 is legally registered in Georgia via bill of sale under the 25-year-old law. The seller will provide registration and a bill of sale to the new owner.
A detailed walkaround and driving video is provided by the seller with verbal details on the AMG’s background, technical information, and the owner’s experiences with the car. Undersides are also provided in the gallery.
This AMG is well known in Atlanta and by AMG aficionados worldwide. Seen on the green during Legends of the Autobahn in Monterey in 2017 during the 50th anniversary of AMG and featured in Sports Car Market coverage of the event, the provenance of the car is undeniable. With a lot of personal hands-on interaction with this example, we can vouch for the authenticity and its highly maintained nature with Blue Ridge MB, headed by Jonathan Hodgman, being the main shop to spearhead maintenance on this Q-ship – not to mention the current owner who is also an AMG Yoda figure in the sphere. This W126 AMG is the benchmark of what a SOHC AMG should drive like. A lot of people looking at this auction might think this car is just a bored-out 500SEL. It is quite the opposite. These pre-merge AMGs were, and still are, pure exotica. Listening to the car at idle is a telltale sign that there’s nothing normal about the powerplant. It makes a lot of extra mechanical noise, has a lope that is reminiscent of a M100, and an odd thrum of an Italian exotic. The 2.82 rear end paired with the most crisp 722.3 transmission we’ve felt snaps off the line under medium throttle. An unaware passenger will get a concussion if the driver hits kickdown. The engine has the mechanical grunt and immediacy of a 6.3-liter M100 but makes power like a 6.0 liter M119 V8. Did we mention the thing is flat in corners? It’s uncanny being in a W126 without any body roll. The pre-merge market has skyrocketed over the past five years. It’s rare to see any sedan become coveted by collectors and seen as the epitome of cool. Mercedes-Benz and AMG have beaten that stereotype in the collector car world. Expect to see pre-merger AMG sedans on the green at The Quail during Monterey Car Week in the coming years. You heard it here first. At that point, these will be out of reach for most enthusiasts and it’ll be too late. This car and all pre-merge AMGs have a lot of room to grow in value. Snap these up while you can. Especially this one as it’s one of the best documented cars we’ve seen with paperwork going back to new and notes tracing its ownership lineage back to April of 1984.
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74 Comments
@MBDriver81 and @patinacollective should put on a special "AMG Cars & Coffee!" That would truly be something amazing!@MBDriver81 not many AMG collections that big. Would love to learn more.thank you for all the responses. This car will end up in a nice collection. The AMG family consists of 45 of its brothers and sistersI needed a few minutes to accept that my 15-year stewardship of this AMG will move to another owner. Congrats to @MBDriver81! I will be in contact with you to make arrangements. Thanks also to all of the bidders who participated. Highly appreciate your support. Al@MBDriver81....silent but deadly.That was a fantastic time!Good but also a sad day. If there was a car that wasn't mine but in many ways felt as though it was...this is it. Congrats @MBDriver81 You have added a spectacular vehicle to your stable!@MBDriver81 congrats. Does this mean you'll become MBDriver845pt4?All yours @MBDriver81. Congratulations.I'm running out of popcorn, Al!$150,500 bid placed by @MBDriver81
$150,000 bid placed by @sirmathrocks
Waiting for the hammer bid....$145,500 bid placed by @MBDriver81
Mercedes 5pt4, this is the tower. Reserve is off. High bidder is cleared for takeoff. Have a safe flight.$145,000 bid placed by @sirmathrocks
$142,500 bid placed by @MBDriver81
$142,000 bid placed by @sirmathrocks
$140,500 bid placed by @MBDriver81
$140,000 bid placed by @sirmathrocks
$137,500 bid placed by @MBDriver81
$137,000 bid placed by @sirmathrocks
Reserve is met. Car will sell to the highest bidder!$135,500 bid placed by @MBDriver81
$135,000 bid placed by @sirmathrocks
$131,000 bid placed by @MBDriver81
$130,500 bid placed by @Antiquarian
$130,000 bid placed by @MBDriver81
$128,500 bid placed by @Antiquarian
$127,500 bid placed by @MBDriver81
$126,545 bid placed by @Antiquarian
The selfish part of me hopes this stays local. Atlanta will be way less cool if this goes out of state or to a different country.@SDPsupercarcars Well said Sir!!!Thanks for all the comments and support. If this SEL sells, I will truly miss it, but I know it will make someone else just as proud to be the caretaker as I am. Inside 30 minutes to go!This is a car I've followed for many years. The amount of documentation with this car and all of the work put into it over the years is incredible. Kudos to the seller for keeping this authentic AMG in such stunning condition both aesthetically and mechanically. A true piece of AMG history that can be properly driven and enjoyed today without worry. Collectors and enthusiasts know the value is in the details and this car leaves no stone unturned. Best of luck to all bidding today!And if you buy this car when the auction hammer comes down you can be happy knowing you can still bring "the hammer" down yourself over and over and over again. Stellar pre-merger car. GLWAThere are cars that simply come into your life, and then there are those that leave a lasting impression and change how you enjoy the hobby forever. For me, the 5.4 SEL AMG is one of those unforgettable cars. I’ve admired this car since I was a kid—reading about it on forums and hearing stories from owners about hunting down NOS parts in Yahoo Japan, even going as far as buying two just to keep one pristine. The owner’s relentless attention to detail even introduced me to Bluerdgemb, where I apprenticed for a summer. That experience changed my life, teaching me how to care for and prepare a car at a high level. I also purchased a white 1994 E500 from the same seller, and I can’t say enough about the impeccable quality of his cars. Back to the 5.4 SEL AMG—the owner built this car with the intention of keeping it forever, and it shows. He’s been an ambassador for premerger AMGs, taking the car to concourse events all over the country. I even heard he flew to Affalterbach, Germany, with all the paperwork in hand, impressing the employees there with his dedication to detail. Not only has he taken the car to the racetrack, but it was also photographed for Numbers Magazine. When I was pursuing a career as a photographer, he supported me by letting me bring his car to the studio. People often forget the impact these cars have on others, but I can honestly say this car changed my life.@LT77 The AMG certificate is called a Conversion Confirmation, and states that this car was originally converted by AMG, in period to the Specification mentioned, in this case a 500SEL 5.4. These cars were driven and the engines worn out, nothing unusual with this, even 4-cam engines wear out. So, to be clear, it is an original AMG modified car in period... period The seller went above and beyond to preserve the car with all available options he had and spared no expense to make this car as original and wonderful as it is. @blueridgeMB well said. As per the Ferrari Classiche process and any Colombo engine that has been repaired and overhauled, you can source internals from GTO Engineering and other suppliers. It is still a Colombo built engine, and it still has the correct stampings, as this AMG Certified car. @AMG5pt4 you will surely miss this car.@LT77 It's the original block, cylinder heads, cams, intake... Factory replacements do not exist, so what should one do? I don't see how a properly and Carefully executed rebuild of the internals on an engine with Improved materials and design would or should in any way detract from a cars originality or appeal. Clearly HWA etc agrees with as much. Mercedes makes repair size pistons, so it's all in keeping with the Marque as a whole When you send your 250TR into Ferrari are they supposed to leave the original worn out pistons in place before sending the car back out? Pistons and rings wear, they are not a Forever item. The original did not seize, but it did have a cylinder that was just beyond the level of deviation we would otherwise like to see which due to some minor scoring. I would add that Joe was the machinist of choice for a Large Mercedes dealership network in the North East back when they still did this kind of work. 1st generation German who's been doing this since he was 17 years old. As for tuning, nothing changes with an incremental increase in displacement, fuel and spark doesn't know for reciprocating mass. Yes, the engine spins up easier, more willing then a stock unit.@LT77 - I believe, could be wrong, someone please correct me as I know this is a very new process, that the new AMG Certification process is certifying that this is an "Original AMG" as in this is a car that was modified by AMG pre-merger. The certification does not validate that the car is still 100% "original" as it left AMG. A slight distinction in the various definitions of the word original. In a world of "tribute cars" and modified vehicles done by 3rd parties with a mix of genuine AMG and replica parts the value is the certification that the car was the original vehicle that AMG worked on.Agreed @AMG5pt4 - the term has different meanings to different car collectors. And, yes to all wear parts, rotors, pads, hoses, gaskets, etc. Change them when necessary! However, where I disagree with you (and maybe AMG) is the engine modification part and originality. Altering the displacement of the engine is much more critical than changing brake pads, which anyone with a tool set can do. For originality, 5.4 liters is what AMG specified the engine as, and it is the main reason this car is special. So, yes, I think 5.4 liter is original - and 5.5 is modified. Mainly asking questions about the AMG certification process, as this has a great significance to the value of the car. I doubt Ferrari would offer a Classiche certificate if they knew engine can be modified by the owner, Joe, or someone outside Ferrari. But, like you said, this is more about AMG standards. No discrediting you, or the car. @sdpsupercars Agreed, a period correct upgrade is nice way to "up" the performance. No qualms about that, or the springs, shocks, even muffler? > But, for me frame or engine modifications (turbo anyone?) weigh more. Follow up question -- How do the larger pistons (ligher weight??) work with the original cams, and did you do the engine tuning yourself? Did you notice a difference in power or how the engine revs? I bet the car is fantastic to drive!LOL, love the $126,045 bid. 560SEC anyone?@LT77 The diff ratio swap is one of those "modifications" I would classify as a usability update. The 2.24 rear end was available at the time of the cars build and having driven cars with 2.82 and 2.24 the cars are much more enjoyable at highway speeds with the 2.24 rear end.@AMG5pt4 I can attest to the quality of Joes work. he's an old school guy who uses a land line. Joe has extensive experience with 80s AMG engines and their nuances. Joe also rebuilt my AMG 4 cam more than 10 years ago and has been trouble free.@LT77 The original block had slight cylinder wall scoring that had to be cleaned up. To do that, the cylinders had to be bored out 0.5mm from 98.5mm to 99.0mm. Once that occurred, new pistons were required. If you think a 0.5mm bore on the cylinders and modern forged pistons is "highly modified", then you and I have a very different opinion on this. The original Nural pistons were cast, not forged, and were much heavier than the Wossner pistons. Same original block, same heads, same intake manifold, same headers, same timing cover, etc... I also have changed brake rotors, brake pads, bearings, suspension pieces, vacuum pods, door strikers, tires and other wear items. Does that make the car less original as well? I gave my definition of "original" in my very first post for this auction and that this term has different meanings to different car collectors. Your opinion is yours and mine is mine, and so be it! AMG certainly didn't have an issue issuing their Certification knowing this. As to the engine machinist who did the block and crankshaft work, you wouldn't know his name if I did post it. This is a machinist that Blue Ridge Mercedes uses for all of their AMG engine work. The number of machinists who have the technical know how and tooling and experience to work with Alusil blocks in the US is extremely limited. Joe is one of those machinists.$126,045 bid placed by @MBDriver81
Beautiful car, but here is what i don't get.. “This car is numbers matching with original paint and interior. ....changing the diff ratio to 2.82 from stock 2.24 and rebuilding the engine with slightly higher displacement with new, modern forged pistons. “ How is this an original "certified" 5.4 AMG when the engine was built to "about 5.5 liters” by @AMG5pt4, his brother, and a famous but unnamed machinist? I would say highly modified is more accurate than original as the engine is the center piece of the build. Not questioning the integrity of the owners attention to detail or quality of work here (looks professional) - but wondering how the car got certified as original AMG if the engine was rebuilt with new displacement.. Somehow it feels a bit not-original-AMG if i myself built the engine, no? I may have missed it in earlier comments, but why was the engine rebuilt in the first place.. did the original engine seize? Cheers!Thanks for the recent bids! Last day of the auction for this exceptional pre-merger AMG! The headlight wipers were reset last weekend back to their proper position. The car has a full tank of E0 fuel and Torco octane booster. Mercedes cars are expensive to maintain and this car has had an open checkbook approach to maintenance over the past 15 years. Just in the past six months, I had the driveshaft removed and a new U-joint installed, new MB center support bracket and bearing and the driveshaft re-balanced ($700). New Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires front and rear with about 250 miles on them installed by Gran Turismo East along with a fresh alignment ($1,500). Extensive paint correction and ceramic sealer done by Jonathan himself @ Blue Ridge Mercedes along with Leatherique treatment to front and rear leather seats ($3,000). That is about $5k invested recently. Looking through some of the receipts over the years - a Who's Who list of vendors: - Dash wood and center console wood done by Madera Concepts in California - Fuel distributor and warm up regulator done by CIS Flowtech in Alabama - Heavy suspension maintenance, transmission and rear differential rebuilds by Blue Ridge Mercedes Lilburn, GA - Tires and alignment by Gran Turismo East Atlanta - MB parts used extensively (including parts that are now No Longer Available) - A/C system still charged with DuPont Iglo R-12 - Engine block work and crankshaft tuning by one of the last old-school engine machinists left in the US, Long Island, NY - Time Serts for head bolt holes by Jonathan @ Blue Ridge Mercedes - Short black engine rebuild done to exacting standards by a true engineer in Orlando, FL - Wossner forged pistons with correct skirt coating to co-exist with the original Alusil block$125,545 bid placed by @Smcase22
$115,954 bid placed by @MBDriver81
Wow , fantastic example ... wish the wife would let me take a run at this. Goodluck to all .. come right or dont come at all$115,454 bid placed by @Smcase22
$109,999 bid placed by @Hteam
Stopping in a little late in the day, but as the fellow who is next in line for the amount of time spent tending to and driving this car I felt it would be prudent. To have a car of this caliber taken to this level where it is Genuinely dialed and working As It Did when new (arguably better in some respects) is the rarest of rare. Never mind the outlay of cubic money getting it here, but the unfathomable amount of time invested by Al, myself, his brother etc. the hours increase by factors. The person lucky enough to take this car home will not be disappointed. Last I drove her home after some minor tweaks I did my best Autobahn impression, the faster you go the better it feels....and that's how a Mercedes and especially an AMG should be, but often is Not. I wish I had more space in the stable and time in my day....otherwise this car would not be posted here, I'd of already added her to my list of Keepers. I hope the next caretaker is as fastidious and caring as Al has been. It will be a tough act to follow. GLWTA y'all:)Another comment about fluids. I have religiously used Ethanol free gasoline in this car due to the impact of ethanol on certain rubber fuel lines that were made before ethanol was introduced as a gasoline fuel additive. I use E0 (ethanol free) 90 Octane fuel and I add a quart can of Torco octance booster with each fill up to bump the octane to 93-94. If I am outside Atlanta, I use the Pure Gas app to find E0 gasoline stations. In a pinch on a long road trip, say to Amelia Island, I will use Premium 93 Octane pump gas but make sure I run the fuel down when I am getting back to Atlanta and then refuel using E0 gasoline. No harm there. I will provide 2 quart cans of Torco to the winning bidder. I always carry a can of Torco in the trunk along with a long funnel for refueling. Oil - I only use Brad Penn 20w-50 oil due to the high zinc content for the solid lifters/cams Brake Fluid - currently the car has Castrol SRF Racing brake fluid in the car Coolant - I use MB coolant or Zerex G-50 coolant, 50/50 Please no comments on oil/gas/brake fluid - everyone has their opinions. I just want to advise what I use and why.Comment as to Bill of Sale and registration. When I bought the car in Oct 2009, I had prepared Bill of Sale that Jeff Gustafson and I signed and had notarized at the bank. A copy of that Bill of Sale is in the blue binder. Jeff could not find the Florida title from his father's business, R&D Apartments, when I bought the car. He promised to find it and send to me in Georgia. When I got the car to GA and to register the car, the State rules allow a car > 25 years old to be registered and licensed without a title - just need a notarized Bill of Sale. I provided that and the car was registered and licensed in Oct 2009. Jeff subsequently found the title, with his father's signature on the back of the title, and sent it to me. I went back to the Georgia DMV and provided the title so I could get an actual Georgia title, but they said the car was already legally registered under the > 25 year old car rule and would not re-do the registration. The Florida title is part of the blue binder that comes with the car. For this auction sale, I will create Bill of Sale for the car and will have my signature notarized. I will provide the current 2024/2025 Georgia registration (expires in April). Since this car is > 25 years old, no smog test is needed in Georgia. Check your state's/country's requirements for registration. There are NO catalytic converters installed on this car! If the winning bidder is in Georgia, I will allow the license plate to be transferred to the new owner (AMG5PT4).As we come down the final stretch of this auction, a quick note on what will go with the car: Brand new Covercraft car cover - indoor (not weather proof!) Genuine Mercedes windshield sun screen (for car shows, if needed) Spare MB EZL (ignition control module) Spare MB Fuel Pump Relay Daily use black MB floor mats The Original AMG mats that came with the car in 1984, as pictured. The driver mat shows wear and some discoloration and the dead pedal flap has some wear, but they are original Owner's Manual packet, as pictured Blue Binder with copies of the AMG and ownership provenance AMG Classic Certification folio with the certificate and metal badge White Binder with all the Clarion technical manuals and wiring diagrams Large Binder with historical receipts dating back to Mr. Gustafson's ownership and my ownership The EZL and Fuel Pump Relay (FPR) are two electrical items that can fail without notice and leave you dead on the side of the road. Both are easy access items to replace.@TheAMGKit No connection. Blue Ridge Mercedes is outside Atlanta and is the premier independent Mercedes maintenance and repair shop in the Southeast and the owner, Jonathan Hodgman, is highly regarded as to pre-merger AMG cars. My brother is in Florida and a true engineer (Physics and Electrical Engineering) and his day job is a rocket scientist (literally). His passion is race engineering and designing/building suspensions and engine building. He has spent time working with American Le Mans race teams (ex-Alex Job Racing) and SCCA racing and has crewed races such as Daytona 24 Hours and Sebring. My brother's father in-law was a crew chief for Alex Job Racing (Porsche) for many years and has been part of the Heart of Racing team out of Texas (American Le Mans Series) for many years.you mentioned your brother built the motor, Is he affiliated with Blue ridge. Whats the connection between the work with each@TheAMGKit All of the speakers are the original speakers (German made). There are only the 2 Clarion amps under the passenger side footwell panel. I removed the carpeted box (accessed from inside the trunk which is under the parcel shelf) back in 2009/2010 and I recall there are crossover electronics for the six speakers mounted in the rear - four mids and two woofers. Plus the two tweeters in the dash. I suspect the speakers ought to be replaced with better modern speakers. The amps are decent that power the G-80. An MBM bidder inspected the car today and I plugged my iPhone to the lead in the center console ashtray and streamed Pandora through the G-80. Sounded good.Thanks are the rear hatch speakers original Clarion or have your updated them. Any amplifiers. Besides the stack units@TheAMGKit Yes, that is the French Dealer installed alarm system (not operational). Part of the alarm system are the glass breakage sensors on the corner of each side of the dash, as seen in Pics 224 and 225. This alarm system documentation is also part of the original Owner's Manual packet - see Pic 530 lower right pamphlet. This is the dealer installed security system.what are we looking at in pic 414 alarm module?@ASGMiami Thanks for your comment. Yes, this would be perfect next to a Hammer - add a no-stories W126 AMG to your collection. I have driven a couple Hammers and other W126's with the DOHC 32-valve engines and I can tell you that this engine, as built by my brother, would surprise you on its power and torque. Hit the go pedal and this car responds.@TheAMGKit There probably was at some point, but may have been removed by AMG or Mr. Medore or Mr. Gustafson.$100,545 bid placed by @Smcase22
Al Is there a charcoal cannister in your vehicle$80,000 bid placed by @Antiquarian
This sure would look great next to the Hammer… very tempted. Great presentation & auction so far.@amg5pt4 Doh! Knowing you have multiple, I figured it could be your 5th@hamburglar that might be 199 Blue Black. Hard to tell. @sirmathrocks it would be an all day job removing just the cassette player. Both side carpets would need to be removed and the center wood and HVAC pushbutton controller removed. Then I have to move a lot of wiring out of the way to get to the straps on either side of the stack to remove the screws holding the cassette player in the stack and then get a 3-year old to reach behind the cassette player to disconnect the wiring to/from the cassette player and then install the replacement cassette player and pray that it works. All that effort is why I figured out how to connect a lead into the back of the top controller unit to stream music from my phone. All of the wires between the units are 6-pin round DIN plugs. I found a 6-pin DIN plug that terminated into a 3.5mm audio lead. On older iPhones, the 3.5mm lead plugged right into the phone; the newer iPhones only have the lightning connector for recharging and headphones. Luckily Apple makes a 3.5mm female to Lightning adapter. I should post a video of how to stream music through the G-80. Pink Floyd is my go-to music....@Hamgburglar I don't think that's the same paint colour?@AMG5pt4 Hi Al, do you think the original owner would have lent the car to the producers of Miami Vice? Look at the pinstripe.... https://pics.imcdb.org/0is104/bitmap32nu0.7141.jpg@AMG5pt4 is there any way to get the clarion cassette player fixed? Or swap out with your working G80 spare cassette player if that works?Additional photos have been added to the gallery from a previous photoshoot.@SwissBliss my user name is the Georgia license plate for this SEL - AMG5pt4. The 5pt4 is the engine displacement from AMG.@Patinacollective is in the house! Awesome comment and would love to learn more about the certification, is it just for AMG 126s? @amg5pt4 Precisely and so well put -- not only that , but you had the 'eye' and knew what few did before the market exploded on these. And STILL made her better over 15 years, and STILL didn't sell when the market corrected, until now. And you STILL have another one. Could we get some background on your username please? 😛 P.s. You are my hero.@SwissBliss thanks for the kind post. Yeah, I am the anti-flipper owner. I bought this car 15 years ago because it is such a legit AMG and because of the heavy AMG option list and because it is so original. I wasn't even in the market for a sedan in 2009, but I could not pass this car up and 15 years later, I know this car is much better now than when I bought it. That sums up what an enthusiast is in my book. BTW, for any potential bidders who have reached out to me about seeing the car in the flesh or would like to see the car, tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday after noon, The car can be seen at Blue Ridge Mercedes in Lilburn, GA not too far from Stone Mountain. Over this coming weekend, the car will be at my home in Marietta, GA for showing. Please message me directly to set up a time if you happen to be in/around Atlanta over the next four days. If next week Monday - Wednesday works better, I can probably accommodate an appointment.I don't know what to say about the car that hasn't really already been said, but the seller has been the ideal owner of this car. TBH I haven't even checked any pics (I already know how clean it is) and went straight to the comments... This is going to be a good one and to me, this is what sets @MBMarket apart from what bring a trailer has become -- sellers like this, with extreme passion/knowledge/skills/funds, to properly take care, enjoy, and perhaps even break even or make a profit -- and that goes the same for the bidders & peanut gallery 😅 THIS is how it is done, amazing opening comment, follow ups, AMG history for us nerds, this seller/auction has it all! @AMG5pt4 Well done sir!Thanks for the post, Patina Collective and Bernard Bohn. And thank you for partnering with AMG Classic and MKB to provide this long awaited certification service.This an exceptional pre-merger car. Its hard to find that level of documentation and evidence of a car. The 5.4 power plant from AMG delivers excellent power output, throttle response and an incredible flexibility from traffic conditions to Autobahn pace on the highway. We were privileged to be able to help verify this car for the AMG Classic Conversion Confirmation certificate, a program for which we offer to clients in the US, including technical, archival and mechanical verification needed for the certificate. Love to see the spirited bidding action by known connoisseurs and proven successful bidders in this platform and the classic car community in general. The winner will take a fantastic car, from a meticulous and detail oriented caregiver.Regarding the very rare Clarion G-80 stereo system, the operating manuals and warranty cards (wonder if they are still valid....) were in the Owners Manual packet when I bought the car. I then set out to collect any additional neat documents for this system. I found the Service manuals and wiring and spare parts diagrams on the net and purchased downloads. I printed all of the manuals and assembled the Clarion binder shown in the photo gallery. This binder will go with the car. I have purchased a spare G-80 system that is operational (not sure about the cassette tape player) from a UK seller 3-4 years ago. If the winning bidder is interested in acquiring this from me, I am sure we can come to an agreement. A couple years ago the system quit working and I was mortified that something major was wrong. This prompted me to find and purchase the spare system. I removed the side carpeting from each side of the center console and removed the burl wood surround panel and was about to start swapping out components when I reverted back to the age-old mechanic adage - check the easy things first. Turned out to be a $10 power relay. Phew! Removing the wood surround panel is not for the faint of heart as the panel has to bend slightly to remove it - after removing the 20 little 2mm hex head screws holding the rack pull handles to the wood panel and components! Let me tell you - the space behind the upper console wood panel is very limited to begin with on a stock W126. Throwing in the G-80 system makes that space exceptionally tight. The power amps that drive the system are remotely located under the passenger side carpet panel. The power amp display gauges are at the bottom of the stereo stack.Current bid is $75k ? It's that for real!!Anthracite pre-merger AMG's are beautiful, such an amazing/unique color. I remember when this car was for sale ages ago, it couldn't have ended up in better hands for the last 15 years than the current owners. Goodluck with the sale, sad to see it go but so excited to see your WB come together!Good heavens. $75k and it just got listed. Thank goodness it's a LWB. If it was a SWB I'd need to buy it.@1976w123 I think this car is still a long way from being close to a sell price. These early bids are breadcrumbs. @smcase22 is a force to be reckoned with. Stunning car. Wish I could afford something like this. Instead I’ll just drool over the presentation and take a cold shower afterwards.I completely understand it's a pre-merger AMG ,$75,454 bid placed by @Smcase22
@1976w123 @Smallcase simply opened the bidding and we're a long way from being done.Thanks for the comments and @stuttgart_steel for taking the pics and video. To answer a couple questions posted: The rear diff is not a GT (Gleason-Torsen) diff, and I am happy about that. GT diffs were cutting edge in terms of the design of the gearing, but, alas, the diffs were also fragile. The diff installed in the rear of my 85 widebody may be a GT diff - when I removed the ABS sensor, there were little bits of steel stuck to the magnetic tip. Correct comment that almost all full conversion AMG cars in the 80's were "dipped" - all of the bright work was painted body color - chrome bumper tops, polished anodized aluminum window and front/rear glass trim, grille and trunk badges. My widebody is dipped Blue Black 199. This SEL not only has an amazing 172 Anthracite Gray paint color, but Mr. Medore did not ask for it to be dipped by AMG. And, I am happy the car is not dipped - it looks fantastic as it sits.$60,000 bid placed by @Hteam
Is the diff a gleason torsen? Also dumb question, weren't most AMG's from this era done in a monochrome paint scheme?@1976w123 Not sure what you're talking about by being "safe"- I'm going to guess you'll be in for a treat when this auction comes to a close.@ProdigalPetrolHead , so he put himself $40k in the hole to stay safe, yeah ok :):)This was a pleasure and honor to photograph and video for The MB Market! Absolute AMG nerd dream come true for me. I was trying to keep my excitement to a minimum in the video, but that was hard. The car is so special. It's crazy to see this thing go live. Other than @BlueridgeMB Hammer wagon, this is my favorite car in the city. I remember seeing it for the first time at Caffeine and Octane back in 2013 when the show was more of a cars and coffee and chatting with the owner. This car is nothing short of spectacular and the seller is the guy you want to buy a pre-merge AMG from. I've restored several W126s and nothing comes close to highly maintained original, low milage examples. This thing felt like a bank vault on the road and I'm eternally jealous of whoever wins it.What a thing to see up for auction! This has to be one of the most perfect premerger cars available right now. @seller, very well done!@1976w123 safe to assume @smcase22 wants to cut to the chase. Welcome to the big leagues!Another note on the engine in the car - the bolt holes in the block for the head bolts were 100% time-serted for the rebuild. M117 blocks can have head bolts pull threads from weakened block alloy. Some machinists use heli-coils, some use time-serts. You can see the time-serts in some of the engine rebuild pics.why would someone jump from $15k bid to $54k bid , what is going on? mb market ?!!Thanks for the bids! Pic was added to the write up showing the all important M117.963 engine serial # with the really important 5.4 stamp next to the serial #. In all of the M117 AMG engine serial #'s I have seen, this is the only SOHC I know of with the displacement stamp next to the serial #. It should also be noted that it was not uncommon for AMG to pull an engine from a customer car and swap in an already modified engine to save time turning the car around. When that happened, AMG peened over the serial number of the replacement engine and re-stamped with the original serial # from MB - in an attempt to keep the swapped in engine "numbers matching". It is very easy to tell if an engine serial # has been re-stamped. This engine is not a swapped out 5.4 - AMG modified the original engine from MB and put it back in when done. My widebody engine block is a re-stamped M117. No harm to me as the engine is as it left AMG. Just a little AMG history.$54,545 bid placed by @Smcase22
$15,000 bid placed by @oliverbeckmann
Hello MB Market bidders and peanut gallery to the auction for my 1984 126.037 500SEL AMG. I have owned this car for over 15 years and have been a passionate caretaker of this magnificent example of pre-merger goodness. During the course of the 10-day auction, I will do my very best to answer any questions about the car, its history and provenance, including what I have done to make the car better, researching the history of the car and what awaits the new owner. This car has lead a charmed life from careful ownership by Mr. Cuyler P Medore, Mr. Ray Gustafson and his son Jeff and me. The car is remarkably original. That word "original" is used frequently in the collector car world. I will give you my definition of "Original". Cars are mechanical things made of steel, aluminum, leather, plastic, rubber and paint. Mechanical bits that make the car do what it is supposed to do - drive and stop safely - wear out, in general, and must be replaced or refurbished to keep the car running and driving in top condition. There is no reason to celebrate a 40, 50, 60 year old car with original engine rubber bits, bearings, seals and other wear items that leak or will leave the owner stranded on the side of the road. Old, low mileage cars with original brake components that make a car stop safely must be maintained and kept fresh. Now, interior pieces and paint, with careful care and use of restorative fluids, creams, waxes and protectants can last decades - if the car is garaged and kept away from harsh environments. This car is a proper Original car - the mechaniclas have been kept fresh with Mercedes or AMG parts and the paint and interior are 99% original. This car has and will win many awards. But, it is as reliable as I can make it as of today and it is fast and wants to run! This car is numbers matching with original paint and interior. The changes I made to this car are adding speaker openings/grills to the leather covered parcel shelf, changing the diff ratio to 2.82 from stock 2.24 and rebuilding the engine with slightly higher displacement with new, modern forged pistons. My brother, Tim, built this engine, with a little help from me. The block and crankshaft were gone through by one of the best old school engine machinists in the US. Every measurement was taken and verified and the engine was built to a high degree of care and accuracy using only MB or AMG parts. I hope everyone will enjoy and appreciate the pictures and videos of this special AMG. It has been Certified as an Original AMG classic by MKB Motorenbau (the "M" in MKB is Erhard Melcher, by the way) in Germany and that certification binder will go to the new owner. I have a reserve set on this car that is fair, but is inline with how special and rare this car is. I have followed pre-merger AMG auction cars and results over the past 8 years or so and I know that this car is top 1% of what has been offered in the market. This is a "no stories, no excuses" car. Why am I selling this AMG? I am finishing the restoration of this car's big brother - a 1985 500SEC AMG widebody with a special 32-valve DOHC engine. I can't have two show cars. It is time for this car to go to an enthusiast who will carry on as steward of this car. Good luck to all the Bidders!$10,000 bid placed by @Tazzz2