A 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC Coupé 6.9 known as ‘The Green Machine’ obliterated a $45-60,000 estimate to sell for $345,000 at auction, despite needing recommissioning.
The huge result came as Bonhams|Cars sold the first part of the Barry Taylor Collection of pre-merger AMG cars, parts, and spares online from 17-24 June. The sale total was twice what was expected at $1.2 million and there are another 300 lots to go on sale in July.
Barry Taylor, who died in 2020, was a well-known AMG collector in San Francisco’s Bay Area amassed more than 20 cars and a ‘treasure trove’ of pre-merger AMG parts, many still in their original packaging, and ranging from body kits to upholstery.
The Silbergrun green star lot is a real hot-rod, packing a Bosch fuel-injected M100 6834cc SOHC V8 and pushing out 286bhp. Visually, it screams AMG with its bodykit, Penta alloys and vents. It came with the caveat: ‘Due to California emissions laws, this vehicle may only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside the state of California or to a licensed automotive dealer.’
It is one of only a handful of AMG-tuned W123 estates, powered by a 5.2-litre AMG engine
Second biggest seller was the other car stirring up most interest pre-sale, the 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 TE AMG Estate, but that fell short of a $150-180,000 estimate at $138,000. Said to be the only example with an AMG ID plate, it is one of only a handful of AMG-tuned W123 estates, powered by a 5.2-litre AMG engine.
Other estimate-busters were a 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL AMG 6.0, which sold for $63,250, more than tripling its $18,000 low estimate. A 1984 Mercedes-Benz 190E AMG, sold for $52,900, again exceeding its estimate of $32,000 – $38,000.
The biggest multiple above estimate, however, came for automobile, a grouping of AMG Maintenance, Specifications, Spare Parts Guide and ‘others’ which made $17,920 against an estimate of $250-500.
Kurt Forry, Bonhams|Cars US Automobilia specialist, commented: ‘This level of participation highlights the widespread appeal and excitement generated by AMGs. We’re thrilled to have reached a global audience with this collection and look forward to presenting more rarities in the next sale.’
Buyers in the 100% sell-through auction hailed from Denmark, France, the UK, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Qatar, and the US. The sale also attracted a significant number of new registrants, with an impressive 63% of hammer coming from first-time buyers.
Part 2 of AMG Rediscovered will be offered online, again with no reserves, from July 22-29. See BonhamsCars.com for updates.
