Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG (Exceptional)

The car that started it all." Long before AMG became a household name, before turbocharged V8s and crackling exhausts, there was the C36 AMG. Developed jointly by Mercedes-Benz and AMG, this was the first officially recognised AMG model sold through Mercedes dealerships and the car that laid the foundations for every AMG that followed. Finished in Brilliant Silver Metallic over the incredibly rare Schwarz Cloth "Magnum" interior, this early 1995 example is quite simply one of the finest C36 AMGs we have ever seen. Showing just 97000 miles and now Irish registered, this is an exceptionally original car with provenance, history and condition that are almost impossible to replicate today. The history file is extraordinary, containing the original handbooks, maintenance booklets, radio code card, brochures, period road tests, magazine features, extensive invoices and even a USB containing the professional images from its magazine feature. Supplied new by Ciceley Continental Mercedes-Benz of Preston and reputedly used by Warburtons Bakery Chairman and historic rally driver Tom Warburton, the ownership history reads like a storybook. Most remarkably of all, the previous owner purchased the car in 2015, owned it for almost a decade, sold it, missed it, and then bought it back. We can't think of a stronger endorsement than that. The specification is exactly what enthusiasts want. Rare cloth sports interior, air conditioning, cruise control, electrically adjustable driver's seat, adjustable steering column, factory AMG styling package and the correct Becker Special head unit. Even the spare wheel wears its original period tyre and the original first aid kit remains in place. Mechanically, it wants for nothing. Recently serviced, fitted with a new battery, replacement air conditioning condenser and dryer, and benefitting from a professionally rebuilt engine wiring loom by Mercedes specialists. It starts, drives and performs exactly as a proper C36 should. Back in period, magazines described the C36 as the perfect Q-car – a car capable of embarrassing contemporary sports cars while carrying four adults in complete comfort. Thirty years later, it still feels every bit as special. Finding a C36 AMG is difficult. Finding one with this mileage, this provenance, this originality and this level of history is almost impossible. We genuinely believe this is one of the best C36 AMGs currently available anywhere. A hugely significant AMG model, beautifully preserved, wonderfully documented and ready for its next custodian. A rare opportunity to own the car that started the AMG legend.