There are two reasons to celebrate for the Mercedes-Benz E 500 high-performance: a limited-edition model was shown in March 1994 at the Geneva Motor Show and, in October, the ten thousandth E 500 was built.
The Mercedes-Benz E 500 with the number 10,000 went to the Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 racing driver, Hans Hermann. The handing over took place at the Zuffenshausen assembly plant, currently an exclusive Porsche factory. Then, the high-performance sedan received its final assembly, between 1990 and 1995. The number eventually stopped at 10,479 units.
Months before, the E 500 Limited special model had been shown in Geneva, as a limited edition of only 500 unit. It featured special finishes such as the either sapphire black or brilliant silver interior. It received alloy wheels styled in the design of the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II wheel set and a customized interior color scheme (grey, green or red leather, black bird’s-eye maple or burr walnut trim).
The high-performance saloon also met the highest safety standards, as it was equipped with airbags for the driver and front passenger, an anti-slip control system (ASR) and an anti-lock braking system (ABS).
The story began back in October 1990, when it was first displayed at the Paris Motor Show as the 124 model series. It sported a 5.0-liter V8 engine which developed 326 horsepower, going up to 320 since October 1992. The engine was standardly connected to a four-speed automatic transmission. It too 5.9 seconds for the car to hit 100 km/h from a standstill and its top speed was limited to 250 km/h.
1993 brought a facelifted version, that meant a new design with an integrated radiator, colorless turn signal cover lenses at the front, two-tone covers for the rear lamps and modified lines at the rear.
The E 500 was phased out in 1995, but its legacy lives on in the Mercedes-AMG top models, while the original models turn in one of the most coveted young classics worldwide, making collectors regret the moment they decided on not purchasing one. Romanian business man and former tennis champion Ion Țiriac, isn’t though, one of those who regret. He owns one of the exclusive automobiles derived from the E 500, the E 60 AMG, as part of his private collection displayed in Bucharest, Romania.
