Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG

Launched in Spring 1998, the C43 AMG was Mercedes' answer to the BMW M3 – only a lot more exclusive. Just 300 were made available to the UK and they were all snapped up straight away. A real wolf in sheep's clothing, only the subtlest of details (AMG front and rear aprons, side skirts, bigger alloys, sports exhaust) and a lower, more aggressive stance, distinguished it from the more mundane C180 Sport.

But slip in to the heated electric sport seat, place the plastic key fob up against the ignition slot (the key automatically inserts itself), twist, and a distant rumble alerts you that you are in something rather special. Press the loud pedal and you will soon see the horizon hurtling towards you to the tune of a subdued bellow from the twin stainless steel exhausts.

The 4.3-litre V8 engine was based on Mercedes' new 24-valve 279bhp E430 motor, although with AMG's attentions it produced significantly more power and torque: 306bhp and 302lb/ft to be precise. With a top speed limited to 155mph and capable of 0-60 in 6.4 seconds, it's the mid-range urge that really thrills, dismissing lesser machines with contemptuous ease.

Power is filtered through the smoothest five-speed auto 'box, shifting engine tone being the only indication a change has occurred. AMG tuned suspension, uprated brakes and sophisticated traction control keep everything under control and it can be hustled along like a sports car half its size.

 

First registered in March 1998, this Azurite Blue example was owned by Mercedes Benz UK for the first 16 months of its life and was used as a press demonstrator and a publicity vehicle, being featured in many road tests and PR events at the time of its launch. It was also featured on the cover of a book titled ‘Mercedes-Benz AMG’. The interior is trimmed in two-tone Blueberry Condor and Black Designo leather with all the luxuries you would expect such as a factory sunroof, air conditioning, premium CD sound system and various carbon fibre inserts.

 

Now with just under 110,000 miles on the clock, it has a full MB service history up to 86,000 miles in 2003 and has been home serviced by a professional Mercedes mechanic since. Said to be in very good condition throughout and to drive superbly, it is only reluctantly being sold due to lack of use. Currently taxed and due to have a fresh MOT before the sale, it still has an unused first aid kit, tool kit, all its original handbooks and all three original keys (two remote keys and one card key). A real Q-car, this is a seriously quick saloon that will embarrass many a flashier sportscar.