Mercedes C55 AMG (S203) | High Mile Club
Once Bernie Ecclestone's runaround, this this C-Class is now one of the cheapest ways into AMG V8 mischief
If there was a PH classifieds bingo game, this Mercedes C55 AMG might just get the dabber in every single box. There’s celebrity ownership, high mile hero and Q car to tick off immediately, before even thinking about its fast estate-ness, rarity, and £10k V8 AMG appeal. It’s maybe Japanese Domestic Market import status away from a full house.
Let’s get the celebrity association out of the way first. Story goes that this was once Bernie Ecclestone’s C55, which is probably quite interesting for someone also keen on cheap AMG V8s. But he gave it up when the C55 was six months old, then taken on by the most recent owner, however the ad says there’s four former keepers. So old Bernie probably didn’t, really, have much to do with this 20-odd years ago. But it’s a talking point, if nothing else.
Assuming, of course, that anyone is somehow done with discussing a 5.4-litre C-Class. AMG had dabbled in V8 Cs with the previous ‘202 generation, but then replaced that C43 with a supercharged, V6 C32 for the 21st century. With that not quite proving the ticket (AMG has a mixed history with downsizing), they did the decent thing and lobbed a giant V8 behind the three pointed star. In this instance, it was the legendary M113 three valve lump, which would go on to be supercharged in various senior 55 AMGs like the E, S, and SL. Even when naturally aspirated, as here, the V8 was good for 367hp and 376lb ft. And if maybe not Merc’s greatest design era, this C55 wagon now looks pretty smart: compact, taut, a model of simplicity and subtlety. Nothing says ‘I mean fast estate business’ quite like removing the badges and fitting a tow hook.
The C is here as it’s about to tip over 175,000 miles, which is a heck of a lot of unleaded to churn through (especially when this was doing 20,000 miles a year). Handily there’s been a lot spent recently, which is always nice to see when considering an alluringly affordable German V8 of a certain vintage. Weirdly the £13k hasn’t addressed the subframe mount and oil leak advisories, but probably with a car of this ilk and age you’re going to be chasing something all the time. While also, hopefully, embracing the charms of the V8 at any and every opportunity.
Because it looks good, right? For a £9,995, 175k AMG, there’s a lot to like here. The wheels and calipers look smart (with four Contis, too), the interior buttons haven’t been mashed, the leather has held up nicely and even the branded floor mats are alright. Sometimes high mileage AMGs fall into disrepair, but sometimes the money is invested to keep these lovable V8s going. This would surely appear to be an example of the latter.
Finally, it’s worth pointing out that this is an extremely rare modern classic Mercedes these days. It never felt like there were many C55s, certainly in comparison to later 63s, perhaps as buyers plumped for Quattro security (or supercharged 55 silliness) instead. Today that’s just another reason to appreciate it. With the money spent and the miles covered, surely the world would be the next owner’s oyster, free to do as they wish with their 5.4-litre C-Class without too much concern. Let us know if you ever need any more miles adding…
SPECIFICATION | MERCEDES-BENZ C55 AMG
Engine: 5,433cc V8
Transmission: 5-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 367@5,750rpm
Torque (lb ft): 380@4,000rpm
MPG: 23
CO2: 293g/km
Year registered: 2004
Recorded mileage: 174,275
Price new: c. £50,000
Yours for: £9,995
I was looking at a new car in 2021 and it was between one of these and the blue Alpina B3 Touring that was doing the rounds at the time (unfortunately that was a complete rust bucket and we couldn't agree on a price).
You could get a spotless, low (sub 70k) mile 55 Saloon for around £8k, the cheapest ones were around the £4-5k mark.
Then they shot up to around £18k for the tidiest ones when the pricing boom happened and haven't really gone back, and by most accounts are 'decent' but not really worth the premium they now command.
As said already, keep them maintained and they rarely put a foot wrong.
No turbo, supercharger or hybrid system to fail and generate big bills.
Just an old school powerhouse of a V8 to thunder down the road.
The unassuming nature makes it even more appealing for me.
Never owned anything AMG but I've owned a few Mercs from.a G reg 89/90 190 2.5 16V Cosworth in the mid 90s too a 3 years old 51 plate SLK 230K which quality wise the 190 was a better car.
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