AMG’s Unique Mercedes 300 TE 6.0 AMG Wagon “The Mallet” Goes up for Auction
In a rare opportunity for car enthusiasts, a one-of-a-kind 1988 Mercedes 300 TE 6.0 AMG station wagon, known as “The Mallet,” is currently being auctioned on RM Sotheby’s website. This special model, the only one of its kind in the world, was developed by AMG’s North American division before the rise of high-performance station wagons like the Audi RS2 Avant and BMW M5 Touring.
The story behind this unique Mercedes-Benz 300 TE 6.0 AMG begins with Richard Buxbaum, the founder of AMG in North America. In 1987, Mr. Buxbaum was commissioned to build a V8 wagon for a wealthy customer, leading to the creation of a 6.0-liter engine with 375 horsepower, thanks to newly developed 32V technology.
The super AMG station wagon, known as “The Hammer,” garnered media attention for its impressive performance capabilities. However, due to its high price tag, Buxbaum believed it would be challenging to find additional buyers. In an effort to attract more customers, he and his team built a prototype of the Mercedes 300 TE 6.0 AMG with a V8 engine producing 310 horsepower, wider fenders, customized interiors, and more.
Despite never reaching mass production, the Mercedes 300 TE 6.0 AMG prototype, nicknamed “The Mallet,” received acclaim from publications like Car and Driver. With performance that could surpass iconic sports cars like the Porsche 911 Carrera and Ferrari 412, this unique AMG wagon has become a sought-after collector’s item.
The auction for this historic AMG Mercedes is expected to fetch between $300,000 and $400,000. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of automotive history with this rare and powerful station wagon.