Among the plethora of Mercedes models that rolled out during the 1980s and 1990s, there are a few Mercedes Icons destined to etch themselves into automotive history, steadily increasing in value over time. We’re not merely talking about cars like the E-Class or the C-Class, which have persisted into the present day, but rather about models that, even after 30 years, have begun to captivate retro enthusiasts and collectors alike.
From the ever-revered AMGs to models like the Mercedes 500E, each with a unique story to tell, here are the vehicles from the bygone era that we believe will continue to pique the interest of the public in the future.
Mercedes 500E: A Fusion of Mercedes and Porsche
A star with a touch of Porsche. This phrase succinctly encapsulates the essence of the Mercedes 500E, introduced in 1990, and unique in its own right as it was crafted in collaboration with the Zuffenhausen marque. It marked the inception of the long-standing E-Class lineage.
It served as a precursor to the AMG line, boasting a potent 5.0 V8 engine producing 326 horsepower, yet unlike the more flamboyant AMGs, the 500E exuded understated elegance, save for its slightly flared wheel arches.
Mercedes 190: The Revolutionary Compact
Among the Mercedes set to be further revered in the coming years, the Mercedes 190 undoubtedly stands out. Produced between 1982 and 1993, it laid the groundwork for the present-day C-Class, representing a revolutionary step for the Stuttgart automaker as it ventured into a lower segment than its customary offerings.
Its revolutionary multilink suspension system and the lines sketched by the Italian designer Bruno Sacco ushered in a new era for Mercedes. The exclusively 4-cylinder engines offered a smart and dependable alternative to the larger displacements available in the lineup.
Mercedes C-Class AMG: The Heir to a Legacy
Following in the footsteps of the 190, here comes its successor, the Mercedes C-Class, born in 1993 and famed for becoming the first factory AMG variant of the brand. This aspect alone secures its position among the iconic Mercedes destined to endure.
At the time, the partnership between the Mercedes brand and AMG was still in its nascent stage, but certain stylistic sporty cues, the 286 horsepower inline-6 engine, and the automatic transmission served as an intriguing preview of what was to come in the following years.
Mercedes ML AMG: The Precursor to Modern SUVs
Think SUVs, and you envision the contemporary design trends, particularly in aesthetics and interiors. However, one model that foresaw these 21st-century trends from its inception was undoubtedly the Mercedes ML, deliberately given a masculine denomination to underscore its muscular contours and spacious cabin.
The first series debuted in 1997, a time when modern SUVs as we know them today were yet to be fully conceptualized. The presence of AMG variants, such as the one depicted, alongside the ML’s journey until it evolved into the modern GLE, exemplifies the pioneering blend of off-road prowess and sporting performance.
Mercedes SL AMG: Pioneering Roadster Luxury
Concluding our journey is the Mercedes SL, delving into the captivating realm of roadsters. While the SL has always been a historical cornerstone for the brand, the 1990s were particularly pivotal for this model. The fourth generation, also born from the inspired pencil strokes of Bruno Sacco, marked a significant stylistic revolution.
This SL also hosted the first AMG variant in its lineup, the SL 60 AMG, a bespoke creation equipped with a V12 engine, destined to be remembered as one of Mercedes’ mechanical engineering masterpieces.
