The first time I saw a W210 Mercedes E-Class sedan in person, I immediately thought that it embodied what a Mercedes should look like – even more than the then-current S-Class. The lines were just perfect. Then Mercedes released the AMG model, turning what was a perfect styling exercise into a car that I think will go down in history as one of the most exciting European sport sedans ever created.
The boffins at AMG did this by taking the bones of the E-Class and shoehorning in an M113 5,439cc, 24-valve V8 with a twin-screw IHI supercharger. Doing that gave the E55 475 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque, which translated to 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds, 0-130 in 16 seconds, a quarter-mile time of 12.7 seconds, and a (limited) top speed of 155 mph.
AMG did not stop there, though. It also addressed the suspension; modifications included an AMG-tuned air suspension, much larger wheels and tires, and huge Brembo brakes with 14.2-inch vented front rotors and 13-inch rear discs. This worked out to give the E55 a skidpad rating of 0.83g and the ability to brake from 70 mph to a dead stop in only 175 feet. In typical Mercedes fashion, the E55 featured the best materials for the interior, making the E55 a sort of luxury supersonic missile.
Our Pick of the Day is one of these cars, a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG located at a dealer in Louisville, Kentucky. (Yes, the top of the ad says Illinois, but if you read the ad, you will see this car is actually in the dealer’s Louisville showroom.)
This E55 has covered a total of only 62,000 miles from new and appears to have been extremely well cared for. The original Tectite Gray paint looks about as flawless as the black and gray leather interior.
The selling dealer describes this E55 as a stunning example. Judging by the photos and video provided in the listing, I would agree. The car is equipped with everything you would expect from a top-line Mercedes of the era. Keep in mind that that does not include Apple CarPlay or even Bluetooth, but there are plenty of inexpensive aftermarket solutions to get that kind of connectivity and have it work with the factory audio system.
Here is the best part of the E55 AMG: These cars are just starting to catch on with collectors and their values have yet to reach the heights of their competitor from Munich, the E39 BMW M5. When new in 2004, this E55 AMG cost somewhere around $74,000, which many journalists at the time considered a bargain for what you got in return. Due to depreciation and its current off-the-radar status, you can get this E55 for only $24,000. Mark my words: These cars are going places and younger collectors are already seeking them out, which means that low-mileage, clean examples such as this one won’t be priced at this level for long. So if you want performance and luxury in equal doses, this 2004 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG is just the ticket.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
