5 of the Rarest Mercedes-Benz Sports Cars of the ’80s: A Look Back at Automotive Legends

Mercedes-Benz has long been synonymous with luxury, performance, and engineering excellence. Today, the brand offers an extensive lineup that caters to virtually every automotive niche—from ultra-luxurious electric SUVs to high-performance AMG models. However, the 1980s were a different era for Mercedes sports cars, marked by exclusivity, limited production runs, and a spirit of innovation that pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the road.

Back then, Mercedes’ sports car range was far less comprehensive, with performance vehicles produced in much smaller numbers. Many of the rarest models were the handiwork of AMG, which, before becoming Mercedes’ in-house performance division, was a tuning specialist renowned for transforming everyday Mercedes cars into autobahn-storming machines. Throughout the decade, Mercedes also released a few of its own in-house sports cars, some of which were nearly as rare and coveted as the AMG creations.

Let’s dive into five of the rarest and most iconic Mercedes-Benz sports cars from the 1980s—vehicles that have become legends among collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Mercedes-Benz 300E 6.0 AMG Hammer — Around 30 Built

The AMG Hammer is perhaps the most legendary of all 1980s Mercedes sports cars. Launched in the mid-1980s, the Hammer was AMG’s first dedicated road car and helped set the template for the modern super-sedan. Its AMG-built V8 engine initially produced 355 horsepower, but in 1987, AMG upped the ante with a 6.0-liter version that delivered 375 horsepower.

The Hammer’s performance was staggering for its time, and its exclusivity only added to its mystique. With only around 30 examples believed to have been built—AMG did not keep official records—the Hammer remains one of the rarest and most sought-after Mercedes of the decade. At launch, the conversion cost around $180,000, which, adjusted for inflation, is equivalent to more than half a million dollars today.

Mercedes-Benz 190E Evo I — 502 Built

The 1980s saw manufacturers homologate special versions of their road cars to meet racing requirements, and Mercedes was no exception. To support its DTM racing program, Mercedes produced a series of limited-run 190E models, with the Evo I being one of the rarest and most iconic.

Launched in 1989, the 190E Evo I featured a 2.3-liter Cosworth-engineered engine producing around 200 horsepower. Only 502 units were built, just enough to satisfy homologation rules. The Evo I’s aggressive styling, enhanced aerodynamics, and motorsport pedigree have made it a favorite among collectors. In 2025, a well-preserved Evo I sold at a Bonhams auction for $224,000, underscoring its enduring appeal.

Mercedes-Benz 300TE 6.0 AMG Wagon – 2 Built

The AMG Hammer Wagon, also known as “The Mallet,” is one of the most unusual and rarest Mercedes of the 1980s. Built by AMG North America, this performance wagon was a bold experiment at a time when sport wagons were far from mainstream. Only two examples were ever made—one sold to a private buyer, and the other was initially kept by the family of Richard Buxbaum, founder of AMG North America.

Despite receiving positive press, the Hammer Wagon failed to attract buyers, making it one of the most exclusive Mercedes models ever. In 2024, the surviving example appeared at an RM Sotheby’s auction, where it fetched an astonishing $467,000. The Hammer Wagon’s rarity and unique status have cemented its place in automotive history, paving the way for future AMG wagons.

Mercedes-Benz 500SEC Styling Garage Gullwing — 57 Built

While AMG was the most famous Mercedes tuner of the 1980s, it wasn’t the only one pushing the boundaries of performance and design. Styling Garage, another well-known tuner, created the 500SEC Gullwing—a striking homage to the legendary Mercedes 300 SL with its iconic gullwing doors.

Only 57 examples of the Styling Garage Gullwing were built, each tailored to the owner’s preferences. The car’s bold design, powerful V8 engine, and rarity have made it a favorite among collectors. In 2024, one example was offered at an RM Sotheby’s auction in Munich with an estimate of €350,000 to €400,000, though it did not sell. The Styling Garage Gullwing remains one of the most eye-catching and exclusive Mercedes of the decade.

Mercedes-Benz 560SEC 6.0 AMG Wide-Body — Around 50 Built

The 560SEC AMG Wide-Body is another standout from the 1980s, combining brute performance with aggressive styling. Featuring a 6.0-liter V8 engine producing 380 horsepower and a wide-body kit that emphasized its road presence, the Wide-Body was built for those who wanted to make a statement on the autobahn.

Approximately 50 examples were produced, making it one of the rarer AMG models of the era. The Wide-Body’s timeless design and performance credentials have earned it a place on lists of the best-looking Mercedes ever made. Its combination of rarity, power, and distinctive styling ensures its status as a true icon of 1980s automotive engineering.

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These rare Mercedes-Benz sports cars from the 1980s represent a golden age of automotive innovation and exclusivity. Their limited production numbers, groundbreaking performance, and distinctive designs have made them enduring icons, sought after by collectors and enthusiasts around the world. As time passes, their legend only grows, ensuring their place in the pantheon of automotive history.

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