Mercedes-Benz C 55 AMG Station: one of only nine

There was not just one AMG version of the first Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W 202), which means some are more special than others.

The first Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG models

It began with the C 36 saloon, powered by a 3.6-litre straight-six, before progressing to the C 43 and its 4.3-litre V8, which was also offered in the estate. The trilogy was completed by the all-powerful C 55: still V8-powered, but now with 5.4 litres of capacity and 347 hp. That gave it performance comparable with some of the era’s most highly regarded sports cars.

Mercedes-Benz C 55 AMG Station: one of nine estates

This is precisely the version shown here. It is a Mercedes-Benz C 55 AMG Station, and there is a sound reason why it is being offered for €150,000: rarity. Just 78 examples of the final AMG derivative of the first C-Class were built, with only nine of them being estates.

The particular car now for sale was registered in 1999, has covered fewer than 100,000 kilometres, and has recently undergone a full overhaul of both its engine and transmission.

With its rarity, preserved condition and huge naturally aspirated V8, the €150,000 asking price may well be entirely justified. After all, there are plenty of fast estates. But only nine like this one.