1985 Mercedes-Benz AMG 300E 5.6

The AMG Hammer occupies a legendary position in automotive history. Created during AMG’s independent pre-merger era, the Hammer transformed the understated Mercedes-Benz W124 into one of the fastest and most capable road cars of its generation. Powered by AMG’s hand-assembled 32-valve M117 V8 and clothed in subtle bodywork, the Hammer embodied a philosophy that would define AMG for decades: extraordinary performance hidden beneath conservative styling.

This particular 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300E carries an ownership history rarely encountered among pre-merger AMG automobiles. The car was formerly owned by Michele Alboreto, the celebrated Ferrari Formula One driver who competed for the Scuderia during some of the most competitive seasons of the 1980s. His association with the car creates a unique connection between two of the most important names in European performance motoring and adds a layer of provenance seldom found within the AMG world.

Prior to acquisition by Curated, the car underwent servicing in Florida during 2024, including a comprehensive rebuild and recalibration of the KE Jetronic fuel system, engine-out servicing, and transmission maintenance. Following acquisition, the Hammer was entrusted to one of the foremost specialists in pre-merger AMG vehicles in the United States for a comprehensive mechanical recommissioning.

More than 66 hours were invested in sorting and calibrating the car’s fuel delivery, ignition, cooling, induction, vacuum, and transmission systems. Work included replacement of major fuel system components, installation of correct AMG-specification ignition components, rebuilding and calibration of critical KE Jetronic systems, correction of throttle and ignition settings, cooling system servicing, transmission servicing, and extensive testing and tuning. Combined recent mechanical expenditures exceed $24,000 and represent a substantial investment in returning the car to proper operating condition.

Today, the Hammer presents as a fully functional and highly sorted example, benefiting from extensive recent specialist attention. The car has been driven and tested following completion of the recommissioning work, with fuel delivery, ignition, and engine management systems operating as intended. Documentation supporting the recent work accompanies the vehicle, while AMG conversion certification is currently being pursued through Germany under official inspection procedures.

Few automobiles capture the spirit of the pre-merger AMG era as completely as the Hammer. Combining documented Michele Alboreto ownership, the legendary AMG 32-valve V8 conversion, and substantial recent mechanical investment, this example represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the defining performance sedans of the 1980s and one of the most important creations to emerge from Affalterbach before AMG became part of Mercedes-Benz.