2000 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG

Delivered on 11 June 1999, this C43 is one of the rarer C43T (touring) versions. The vendor states that, of the circa 400 C43s sold in right-hand drive for the UK market, around 80 percent were saloons, making this long-roof version a rare variety of an already unusual machine. We’re used to seeing AMG badges on all manner of high-performance Mercedes-Benz models today, but thirty years ago, the brand was still in its infancy – at least as far as the mass market was concerned.

With a VIN decode revealing an option list as long as your arm, the stand outs of which include 774 ‘shell modification for AMG wheels, 772 ‘AMG styling package and 956 ‘equipment package sport. As a millennial machine, there are also a host of other factory goodies including electronic stability program, rain sensors, automatic climate control, electrically adjustable front seats, heated screen wash system, auto dipping rear view mirror, rear parking sensors and xenon headlights, to name but a few. With just four keepers from new, two of which were in the same family, there’s a good deal of history to chart this car’s former care.

According to the vendor, this C43T AMG has been used sporadically since its last long-term private owner passed away. The car was apparently retained by the same family from 2002-2023 and has since been used as occasional summer transport by the vendor, who had this to report about its condition: “Recent auxiliary belt, tensioner, water pump and idler pulley replacement. Recent wire brush and coating of protection to the underside. The car starts and drives with no obvious faults being evident, other than those noted (see mechanical section.)”

Perhaps unsurprisingly, from the firm made famous for its silver arrow racers, the default choice of exterior finish for most C43s – or almost any other Mercedes-Benz model from the same era for that matter – was silver. This means the Obsidian Black (197U) finish to this example, conversely, makes it stand out. The mixture of black exterior and graphite/anthracite leather interior colourway also makes for a less obvious choice. The sombre combination certainly looks the part, adding to the clinical no-nonsense aggression of the enhanced exterior AMG styling.

Those AMG additions all appear to be present and correct, from the skirts and splitters to the 17-inch ‘Monoblock II’ alloy wheels. The latter largely still looking good, but a few show signs of their age, and close (if light) contact with kerbs. Black paint shows every imperfection, but this one generally looks pretty good – aside from the usual age-related scratches and small chips found throughout.

There’s some more noticeable – but still minor – stone chips to the front end (worst around the nearside indicator). There’s also a few signs of rust beginning to take hold, mainly relegated to the top of the windscreen, leading edge of the bonnet and around the washer jets. This seems to be just mild bubbling at this stage however but will need remedial work to stop it getting any worse. We were, however, pleased to see the generally fine condition of both glass and trim and a Dick Lovett dealer sticker still in pride of place in the rear screen (was serviced there according to the history). The rear glass appears to be scratched. 

The cabin’s Exclusive graphite/anthracite (581A) seat trim and door card material still look sharp, with AMG mats reminding your passengers there’s a 4266cc, 302bhp V8 under your right foot. The heated electric front seats look so good in fact that we’d struggle to even label their appearance as patinated – the rears look even better still. The steering wheel and gear selector are showing the only real signs on wear in the cabin and even then, it’s still mild.

The dog guard and load cover in the eternally useful load space out back seem in fine order too, with a factory first aid kit behind the boot trim. A spare Monoblock alloy wheel resides under the floor, along with a jack and other roadside accessories. There looks to be a little more surface corrosion on the bottom of the offside rear door, but other than that, it’s looking very fresh and tidy inside this baby Benz.

We haven’t had a chance to drive this particular AMG wagon ourselves, but we’ve had a go in several C43s in the past (saloons) and they’re serious fun. The relative lightweight of these 1990s Benzes, with their big V8 power and rear-wheel drive, certainly puts a smile on your face. As the vendor has enjoyed this example sparingly for the past year, he’s therefore best placed to comment on its current mechanical condition…

“The car starts and drives with no obvious faults being evident, other than those noted (below), however, this vehicle is being auctioned as needing a good going over before any use as there may be faults which are not noted. Exhaust blows and sometimes a rattle can be heard, which is believed to be from the two exhaust pipes just touching each other when moving at low speeds or at a standstill in gear. Leak from the passenger side of the vehicle (been in storage for a while and only noticed when jet washed, perhaps a dried-out rubber seal or blocked drain?)”

This car comes from the era of the big plastic cover atop the motor so we couldn’t really get a good look at its mechanical gubbins. From what we could tell, all seemed dry (if a little dusty). We weren’t afforded a view of the underbody, but we’d be remiss not to point out that the most recent MoT, which expired 12 April, lists advisories (not fails) for underbody corrosion.

With over 100 invoices to go through, there’s nowhere near enough room here to list all the work carried out on this C43T, so we’ll limit the following to the most recent and larger expenses. In addition, there are plenty of stamps in the service history, mostly from M-B dealers, from new to 2014, with consistent specialist care thereafter.

• Inner sill welding, bulbs and wiper blades in 2022 – Pkf Engineering, Salisbury (£1142.99).
• Considerable fluid and filter service carried out March 2022 – Pkf Engineering (£689.29).
• Service and engine flush, plus refitting front and rear bumpers February 2018 – Pkf Engineering (£184.55).
• Several welding repairs to N/S and O/S floors and both inner and outer sills February 2018 – Pkf Engineering (£560).
• Transmission fluid, gasket, filter and control plug renewed, and air-conditioning compressor replaced and re-gassed. Rear brake pipes and flexi pipes replaced February 2018 – Pkf Engineering (£829.41).
• Wheel housing cover fitted, crank pulley and belt replaced at the same time April 2017 – Pkf Engineering (£699.55).
• Battery tray welded and battery replaced September 2015 – Pkf Engineering (£260.94).
• Drive belt and head gaskets replaced along with oil service August 2014 – Pkf Engineering (£1646.37).
• Crank position sensor replaced and full-service July 2013 – Pkf Engineering (£736.74).

AMG takes on Mercedes-Benz products are some of the most exciting and visceral machines on four wheels. The 1990s saw the firm enter its stride as hand built V8 power replaced straight sixes as Affalterbach’s performance providers of choice. The raw power of these machines also doesn’t come with the usual compromises in ride and comfort, both of which remain as well judged as Mercedes-Benz intended.

This rare wagon version of the C43 has become an extremely rare sight on our roads. If you’re in the market for a 1990s AMG, there are few out there that can be considered more practical and punchier than this one. Its history of recent and extensive repairs means much of the hard work has been done, with just a few remaining jobs still to do to make this AMG fighting once fit again.

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £11,000 - £14,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.