AMG 300TE Invokes the Boxy Wagon Feel We All Crave
Wagons are cool, so are AMGs & the 1980s. This AMG 300TE is the epitome of all of that and so much more.
Everything seemed to be better 25 years ago, and that includes the sharp boxy edges of late 1980s and early 1990s wagons. The AMG 300TE was one of those shapes, but it never really had a performance presence. Add three letters to the car’s title and everything changes. Arriving four years before AMG’s official affiliation with Mercedes-Benz came this 300TE wagon as described by Road & Track.
While it might not be a Hammer, it’s quite alright because this one is still awesome in infinite ways. We’ll start with the body kit. Opposed the prolific use of two-tone paint schemes from Mercedes, this AMG is all silver, including many of the details you’d likely overlook. Peek at those wipers and you’ll see the arms are painted in silver. The logos are all over the place as well so you make no mistake in identifying the car. As opposed to a body kit, this 300TE is a proper AMG, even with a VIN tag for export to Japan, making it incredibly unique.
We already said it wasn’t a Hammer, so this 300TE AMG doesn’t have a V8. However, it does have some work done to the venerable M103 straight six engine. Bored out from 3.0 liters to 3.2, power for this Autobahn storming wagon jumps to a healthy 245 horsepower. That should make it accelerate a bit better than the 8 second 0-60 time it formerly had. Sport suspension is also added, and connects to those iconic monoblock wheels.
Inside, the modifications continue. Recaro seats with dozens of buttons and adjustments make this wagon a comfortable way to transport you and a large number of friends. Don’t forget, these wagons also had the rear facing third row seat. The badging on the steering wheel reminds you you’re in an AMG and the iconic white-face gauges peek through from behind.
In all, the 300TE is a transitional car for AMG. Many of the features you see here were carried over to the AMG C36, and beyond.
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