The realm of automobiles is populated with great cars, and a select few that are truly special. But only a handful achieve legendary status. The 1986 Amg Mercedes Hammer firmly belongs in this latter category. It’s more than just a car; it’s a cultural icon, a benchmark against which other high-performance sedans are measured.
This wasn’t simply a Mercedes-Benz modified for speed; the AMG Hammer was the originator, the very car that conceived the idea of the Mercedes-Benz hot rod. Born in the mid-1980s, an era of economic exuberance, it emerged when every automotive marque was driven by ambition and sought to make a powerful statement through performance. In this climate, a small, specialized company nestled in a quiet German town embarked on a mission to create something extraordinary. Their vision was simple yet revolutionary: take a standard, mid-size sedan and infuse it with the raw power of an enormous engine. This bold concept materialized as the 1986 AMG Hammer.
The AMG Hammer: An Autobahn Legend is Born
In the 1980s, Germany was a hotbed for automotive customization. From Porsche 911s sporting radical aerodynamic kits to Mercedes-Benz vehicles adorned with body-colored grilles and gold-plated accents, the autobahn witnessed a unique expression of personal style and performance enhancement.
AMG, however, was a different breed of company. Founded in 1976 by ex-Mercedes engineers Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher in Burgstall an der Murr, near Stuttgart, their expertise lay in engines. Initially focused on preparing Mercedes engines for the demanding world of touring car racing, AMG first gained prominence when its Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8, the era’s V8-powered S-Class, achieved a remarkable 2nd place overall and 1st in class at the grueling 24-hour Spa-Francorchamps race. This iconic vehicle, affectionately nicknamed “the Red Sow,” has since been celebrated and re-imagined by AMG.
While AMG engaged in the popular trends of the 1970s, offering Recaro seats, ATS wheels, and custom paint finishes, their engine modifications, rooted in racing technology, gained increasing traction throughout the 1980s. The arrival of the BMW M5 concept in 1984, boasting the engine from the BMW M1 supercar, presented a direct challenge, and AMG was ready to respond.
Crafting the Hammer: Performance Redefined
AMG’s answer to the burgeoning performance sedan market was the Hammer. Starting with a Mercedes-Benz 300E, priced at $39,000, AMG offered a transformative upgrade. For an additional $17,000, they would replace the standard engine with the potent 5.6-liter M117 V8 from the Mercedes 560 SEC. But this was just the beginning. AMG then incorporated dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder, pushing the engine’s output from 177 horsepower to an impressive 355BHP.
For those seeking ultimate performance, a further investment of $39,950 unlocked the full Hammer potential. This included boring out the engine to 6.0 liters, meticulously blueprinting it for optimal performance, and pairing it with a recalibrated four-speed automatic transmission. A Torsen limited-slip differential, the largest available rear differential, and a reinforced rear subframe were added to manage the immense torque. Completing the transformation was a comprehensive kit of exterior and interior styling enhancements. Finally, for an additional $14,170, customers could opt for a lowered AMG suspension with enhanced damping and 17-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P700 tires (215/45VR17 front, 235/45VR17 rear). Assembly of all these bespoke components added another $18,000 to the final cost.
The total cost for an AMG Hammer, as near as can be estimated, reached approximately $161,422. While the majority were based on the four-door W124 sedan, the prototype was reportedly a two-door coupe, and a unique wagon version was commissioned for a client in Chicago. Precise production figures remain elusive, with estimates suggesting around 30 cars received some level of the Hammer conversion, each built to individual customer specifications. Even AMG themselves acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding the exact number.
The 80s Aesthetic, Timeless Appeal
Back in 1986, the price of a single, fully equipped AMG Hammer could have purchased two Ferrari Testarossas. However, the Italian sports cars couldn’t match the Hammer’s ability to transport four occupants at high speed. While Ferrari claimed a top speed of around 180MPH for the Testarossa, AMG documentation from the era boasted a top speed “over” 190MPH for the Hammer.
More than just archival data, the legend of the AMG Hammer is tangible. AMG’s own Hammer, a sedan with the 6.0-liter V8, remains as visually striking today as it was in 1986. In an era where many 1980s designs have become dated, the Hammer retains a fresh, contemporary appeal, a testament to the timeless design of the W124 Mercedes-Benz, penned by Bruno Sacco.
The W124 represents the last of the quintessential E-Class Mercedes, and the restrained AMG body kit, considered subtle even for its time, enhances the car’s inherent elegance. Compared to the often flamboyant fashion trends of the 1980s, the 1986 AMG Hammer is remarkably understated. Its refined lines offer no hint of the formidable power residing beneath the surface.
Unleashing Power, AMG Style
The custodians of AMG’s own Hammer example understandably treat it with reverence. It was brought out to commemorate the launch of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, England, renowned as the proving ground for Top Gear’s Power Laps. Unfortunately, the weather was far from ideal – rain-soaked tarmac presented a challenging environment for a car with vintage tires and a 6.0-liter V8 producing a reputed 396BHP.
Stepping inside, the interior is distinctly W124 Mercedes-Benz. It feels surprisingly modern, though the cassette player in the audio system serves as a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era of in-car entertainment. The generously sized ashtray in the center console is another relic of the 1980s, hinting at the cigar-smoking clientele the Hammer likely attracted. The speedometer, marked to 320KMH (199MPH) and bearing the AMG logo, is the primary visual cue that this is no ordinary E-Class.
As the weather momentarily improved, the AMG V8 was brought to life with a turn of the key. It ignited with a refined rumble, more subdued than anticipated. In its day, the engine’s specifications were groundbreaking: 396BHP and 417 pound-feet of torque. Peak power arrived at 5,500RPM, while peak torque followed at 4,000RPM. This power delivery differed significantly from the immediate, low-end thrust of AMG’s modern, torque-rich 6.2-liter V8 engines.
Hammering Down the Road
While not sluggish from a standstill, the 1986 AMG Hammer truly excelled in rolling acceleration. It earned a reputation for outperforming contemporary supercars like the Ferrari Testarossa and Lamborghini Countach in the crucial 60 to 120MPH range. On the runway, the Hammer validated this claim. Once in motion, the power built relentlessly, the V8 digging deep to propel the car forward with unwavering force. This level of performance would feel at home in a modern super sedan, but in the context of 1986, it was revolutionary, particularly from a seemingly unassuming four-door sedan.
The four-speed automatic transmission shifted with authority as the Hammer devoured the runway. Noise levels were surprisingly controlled, with wind rush being the dominant sound at speed. The sophisticated suspension, featuring electronically adjustable dampers, delivered a firm yet compliant ride, especially compared to modern performance sedans with ultra-low profile tires. The W124’s recirculating-ball steering, while requiring some effort, felt slightly vague – a deliberate design choice by Mercedes engineers to mitigate crosswind sensitivity at high autobahn speeds. The brakes, however, hinted at the Hammer’s age, exhibiting some protest after repeated high-speed runs.
While a more extensive exploration of the AMG’s dynamic capabilities would have been welcome, time and weather constraints intervened.
The Mercedes-Benz Hot Rod Legacy
When the 1986 AMG Hammer debuted, it caused a sensation in Europe. But its arrival in America ignited a phenomenon. European specialty cars had been largely absent from the US market for a decade due to stringent emissions regulations. The Hammer emerged just as this drought ended. Hans Werner Aufrecht’s collaboration with Andy Cohen of Beverly Hills Motoring Accessories for distribution proved to be a pivotal moment, propelling the Hammer onto the covers of every prominent car magazine in America.
Mercedes-Benz recognized the brilliance of the AMG Hammer concept, leading to the development of the Mercedes 500E in 1992. Sharing the W124 sedan platform and a V8 engine, the 500E utilized a 322-hp 32-valve DOHC 5.0-liter V8 from the Mercedes-Benz 500 SL. Porsche was even contracted to prepare the engine and manage the installation process, a complex undertaking that involved transporting each car between Mercedes-Benz and Porsche facilities. Over three years, approximately 10,359 units of the 500E, dubbed the “four-door Porsche,” were produced.
Despite the limited production numbers of the AMG Hammer, it proved to be a resounding success for the company. In 1990, AMG and Mercedes-Benz solidified their partnership with a distribution agreement through Mercedes-Benz dealerships. More significantly, AMG was commissioned to develop high-performance vehicles for Mercedes-Benz, starting with the E60 AMG, a derivative of the 500E (produced in very limited numbers), and subsequently the 1993 Mercedes-Benz C36. This trajectory ultimately led to AMG becoming the fully owned subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz it is today.
Today, every German luxury automaker offers a range of high-performance sedans, and the concept of a 200MPH four-door car is commonplace. Yet, even in this era of automotive excess, they are all, in a sense, chasing the legacy of the 1986 AMG Mercedes Hammer – the car that started it all, the original Mercedes-Benz hot rod.
