1997 Mercedes-Benz E 50 AMG | Global Icons: The Patina Collective
Chassis No. WDB2100721A361666
Engine No. 119.980.12.992078
Conceived to counter the growing challenge posed by BMW's M Division, Stuttgart entered into an agreement that, beginning in 1993, brought AMG-developed models into the Mercedes-Benz range at a time when AMG was still an independent company.
The E 50 AMG marked the first E-Class of a new era, combining contemporary design and engineering with tangible benefits for the driver, including improved efficiency, technical innovation, exceptional road manners, and outstanding comfort. As the Swiss Automobil Revue observed in its 52/1996 issue, the E 50 AMG offered "exclusivity and an unmistakably sporting character."
Never offered in the United States, power comes from a hand-assembled 4,973 cc "M119" V8 featuring four valves per cylinder. Producing 347 horsepower and 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) of torque, the E 50 AMG was capable of a 155-mph top speed. Its performance rivaled that of contemporary two-seat grand tourers, while retaining the practicality of a spacious sedan complete with a generous passenger compartment and luggage capacity.
Visually, while remaining discreet, the E 50 AMG left little doubt as to its sporting intent. A wider track, lowered ride height, and handsome 18-inch AMG alloy wheels were complemented by a dedicated body package incorporating specific front and rear aprons as well as distinctive side skirts.
This example was delivered new to Japan in February 1997 in left-hand-drive configuration, finished in Green Black Metallic over a Black leather interior. Offering the comfort and luxury expected of a flagship Mercedes-Benz, the car is equipped with heated front seats for both driver and passenger, as well as the exceptionally rare heated rear seat bench for both left and right rear passengers. The original audio system has been replaced with a Japanese-market Carrozzeria Pioneer head unit complete with its remote control and playing through Bose speakers. Also present is the highly desirable ski pass-through, an ideal feature for trips to the mountains, whether in the Austrian Alps near AMG's Affalterbach headquarters, in Japan with its many snow-covered peaks, or in the numerous ski resorts of Québec, where the car was imported in 2017 showing at the time 83,263 kilometers on its odometer.
The extensive list of standard and optional equipment, reflecting the luxury and comfort for which Mercedes-Benz is renowned, proved equally suited to the Florida sunshine, where the car joined The Patina Collective in 2024. Features include an electrically operated rear-window roller blind, a power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof, illuminated vanity mirrors, and the convenient Memory Package incorporating the driver's seat, steering column, and exterior mirrors. Recently, the wheels were refinished, with color-matched centers and polished lips.
Accompanied by its Japanese CarVX report, which indicates that the vehicle had previously sustained collision damage prior that was repaired before a public sale in 2017. Also accompanying the car is a CARFAX Vehicle History Report covering its history since its arrival in Québec in 2017.
Presented today with just 135,012 kilometers recorded at the time of cataloging, this E 50 AMG embodies a pivotal moment in AMG history. Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1995, it was both the first AMG variant of the all-new E-Class and the last AMG model powered by the revered M119 V8. Never available in the United States, it was produced for less than two years and in fewer than 2,900 examples, it has rightfully earned its place among the most collectible AMGs.