The history of AMG is full of superlative sedans (Mercedes 300 SEL 6.3 “Rote-sau”, Mercedes 300 E 5.6 “Hammer”, Mercedes-AMG E 63 S, etc), however, it has also prepared or customized less prestigious models of the brand with the star, such as the Mercedes-Benz MB100.
The Mercedes MB 100, that Spanish van and predecessor of the Vito/Class V that was so successful in the late 80s, received the honor of an AMG preparation. And it is that AMG never refused to prepare a model of the star.
The current Mercedes-Benz range is more extensive than ever. From the A-Class to the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet there is something for every taste and budget. In the 80s, Mercedes did not have an A-Class or B-Class, but it already had a model with up to nine seats for large families, the MB 100.
The MB 100 was manufactured from 1981 to 1995 at the Mercedes factory in Vitoria, from where around 100,000 units of the Mercedes Vito and Class V are now produced each year for Europe and North America. This factory, DKW-IMOSA, was owned by the Auto-Union group in the 1950s and produced under license a local version of the DKW F100 delivery van, a front-wheel-drive van that was very popular in Germany.
In 1958, Daimler-Benz buys Auto-Union, then sells it to Volkswagen in 1964, but retains the Vitoria factory. At that factory, Mercedes-Benz continued for a while to manufacture 'the DKW', as it was popularly known, under the name Mercedes N1000 and N1300 until it introduced the MB 100 in 1981.
The MB 100 was an update of the N1000/N1300. From a technical standpoint, it retained a ladder frame chassis, front longitudinal engine, and front-wheel drive. Like the N1000/N1300, the MB 100 was mainly sold in Southern Europe. However, in 1987, Mercedes-Benz aimed to expand its range of light commercial vehicles with a compact model. Instead of developing a new model, they updated the MB 100 and opened up markets in Northern Europe.
In 1986, AMG is still an independent tuner specialized in Mercedes-Benz models. Created by two former Mercedes engineers, AMG has enjoyed undeniable success since its class victory at the 24 Hours of Spa with the Mercedes 300 SEL 6.8 “Rote-Sau”. At the 1986 Frankfurt Motor Show, it had the luxury of presenting what was then the fastest sedan in the world, the Mercedes 300 E 5.6 “Hammer”
Presented alongside the AMG 'Hammer'
That same year, at the AMG stand next to the 'Hammer,' there was a black MB 100 prepared by AMG. The aesthetics are striking, sporty, and far from what we imagine when we hear about an MB 100. Double headlight grille, fender extensions, side skirts, as well as front and rear spoilers are some of the changes made. Of course, the MB 100 is lowered and sits on a set of 8X15 inch AMG wheels (tires up to 255/60-15). Simply superb.
On board, AMG offers all kinds of options and accessories in this sort of luxury minivan, such as the nine individual leather-upholstered seats with tablets in the backrests, Alcantara roof, luxury car audio system, and even a radiotelephone.
Under the hood, the modest 4-cylinder 2.4-liter engine of the Mercedes 240D W123 model (1976-1985) with 72 HP. Officially, there was never an engine upgrade done for the MB100, although since there was such an upgrade available for the 240D W123 (turbocharging to reach 100 HP), that possibility existed, and in the MB 100 it was advertised as 95 HP.
The aesthetic conversion did find some customers. It was mainly sold in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands. The basic nine-seater MB 100 Kombi cost 34,620 marks in Germany, but if the customer went overboard with the options and opted for AMG, the MB 100 could exceed 100,000 marks. Naturally, few vans received the cosmetic treatment from AMG.
In 1988, Mercedes already trusted AMG for the preparation, maintenance, and development of the 190E cars that raced in DTM. At the various circuits where DTM races were held, the teams had a series of MB 100 AMG vans available to transport team members and other VIP guests. Finally, AMG produced around 50 units (90 according to other sources) of the MB 100 'Rainbow', whose striking decoration was not done with vinyl but all painted with those bubbles and colors.
Bonus Track: MB 100 Brabus
Brabus, the other great tuner of Mercedes-Benz, also proposed a luxurious special version of the MB 100, but this did not go beyond the promotional brochure.