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.
Open Transit:
Enclosed Transit:
The winning bidder will receive an email with the quote and option to proceed with shipping.
Get the best of The MB Market directly in your inbox every day. Subscribe for a curated list of our top market listings and articles!
25 Comments
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