Eyes on Literature
Rare AMG brochure revealed
I have to confess to being not only a student of unique Mercedes-Benz automobiles but also a collector of the literature related to these cars. My collection has swelled to probably over a thousand pieces and it just swelled a bit further with the addition of a few hundred gems donated by my brother Tony Spencer, a 43 year new Mercedes salesman at Smythe European in San Jose.
While the collection serves as a massive research source it also offers a glimpse into Mercedes graphic art and color over the decades. As I looked over the recent pieces, the most interesting from a research standpoint were 2 massive large format AMG portfolios covering the Affalterbach firm’s complete offerings circa mid-1984. Of course this is pre-merger AMG and the depth of their technical expertise and professionalism is obvious after looking over the portfolio.
There was something for all Mercedes-Benz owners whether one owned a 500SEL or a 190E. Interested in adding a turbo to your 4 cylinder diesel? No problem. How about a full body kit for your 280TE wagon. No problem. And how about transforming the 238 HP SOHC 5.0 liter engine in your 500SEC to a snorting 5.0 liter 340 HP 4-cam configuration?
And if you felt your G-wagon diesel needed fender flares, extra lighting, graphics and a fully restitched interior AMG would was happy to oblige. Whether it was upgrading exhaust, brakes, differentials, suspension, sound systems or interiors – anything was possible at AMG in the ’80s. We take a look at AMG’s world in the mid-’80s below.
roy spencer/editor mercedesheritage
photography/AMG