Ivan Vicario Martin
We didn't see this one coming, one Mercedes-Benz MB 100 AMG which has all the appearance of putting the 1983 GMC Vandura of the remembered against the ropes Team A. It is a preparation that takes as its base the popular van of the star brand manufactured in Vitoria. In addition, not only the exterior was modified, but also the The interior is up to par, as it is dressed in luxury for the occasion. Of course, the engine is diesel…
AMG was born in 1967 from the hands of a pair of Mercedes engineers, so it is not surprising that they focused their activity on preparing models of the star's house. One of their first cars was the remembered AMG Mercedes 300 SEL 6.8, which finished second at the 24 Spa 1971 Hours. That was the beginning of a story that ended with its complete takeover by Mercedes-Benz in 2005.
In this case, we are faced with one of his most curious works, since the Mercedes MB 100 It doesn't seem like the best basis for a preparation. We are talking about the second generation of the model -code W631- which, like the first, was manufactured in the brand's factory in Vitoria. Originally, it was equipped with a 4-cylinder diesel engine with 72 hp of power, more than enough to carry out your work with ease.
THE MERCEDES-BENZ MB 100 AMG
The preparation of the van included a revised exterior, with new bumpers, side skirts and wheel arches painted in grey. The rest of the bodywork was in black, giving it an almost intimidating appearance. In addition, it sported a Rear license plate holder in red that served to visually unite the rear lights. At the front, the star on the grille was removed and the headlights incorporated a mask to form two double optics. As for the rims, these had a specific design and measurements of 8J x 15 with two tire sizes to choose from: 255/60 R15 H or 225/70 R15 H. In addition, the height of the suspensions was lowered a little from the ground.
The interior of the MB 100 was wrapped in luxury and included nine seats. with the AMG lettering and a portable table, anticipating modern vans in which first class travel is possible. In any case, it was possible to personalize it to the buyer's taste, dressing it in leather or alcantara with options such as video or telephone systemsOf course, premium elements such as electric windows were not missing.
Mechanically, it was proposed The base engine was the original 2,4 litre, but it could also be built to the specifications of the W123. Thus, the power output reached 100 hp at 4.400 rpm, a figure more in line with what one would expect from the appearance of the Mercedes-Benz MB 100 AMG. In addition, It was also possible to order a 3-litre turbodiesel engine. which produced 120 hp at 4.300 rpm. With that engine, it was already possible to think about taking on the van of the Team A.
DISCRETE SUCCESS
That first AMG van It was presented at the 1986 Frankfurt Motor Show., along with the spectacular Mercedes 300 E 5.6 “Hammer”, the fastest saloon of the moment. The original price was 34.000 marks, just over 17.000 euros, although That amount could skyrocket the list of options was being abused.
It had some success in Central Europe, particularly Germany and Switzerland, the latter country always open to this kind of oddities. Unfortunately, we are not aware of many specimens having survived, and this is a shame, because The Mercedes-Benz MB 100 AMG has its place in history, as it was the first preparation on a diesel vehicle signed by the German specialist. Curiously, it was not the only one, as Brabus also worked on the MB 100, although we will tell that story another day.
