October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PCOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
CarCodyAdvertise
Service recordThe Garage

The Real Story of the Iconic Mercedes-AMG Hammer

The AMG Hammer turned the W124 E-Class into a fast, V8-powered sedan or coupé. Here’s how its versions differed and why no exact production total is settled.
Entry003 Date Time4 min MechanicCarCody Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The Mercedes-AMG Hammer was not a single factory model with one fixed specification. It was an audacious AMG conversion of the W124 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, pairing a V8 with AMG’s four-valve engineering to make a practical sedan or coupé capable of supercar-level speed. The 5.6-liter sedan and 6.0-liter widebody coupé had different published outputs, and the exact number of Hammers built remains unverified.

What was the AMG Hammer?

The Hammer was an early AMG performance conversion based on the W124-generation Mercedes-Benz 300 E sedan and 300 CE coupé. Rather than a standard Mercedes-Benz production trim, it combined a Mercedes V8 with specialist AMG engine and chassis work. Mercedes-AMG’s history traces a key step to 1984, when Erhard Melcher developed an independent four-valve-per-cylinder cylinder head and AMG became an engine manufacturer. In 1986, AMG put a V8 into an E-Class coupé; the car became famous as “The Hammer.” (Mercedes-AMG history; AMG Classic archive)

AMG’s archive labels the period cars “1986: AMG 300 E 5.0–6.0,” reflecting a range of conversions rather than one uniform specification. Mercedes-Benz’s retrospective highlights the 300 E 5.6 AMG sedan and the especially striking, widebody 300 CE 6.0 coupé. (Mercedes-Benz Media retrospective, 2020)

How did AMG turn an E-Class into a Hammer?

Mercedes-Benz USA describes conversion kits shipped from Germany that included an AMG-built 6.0-liter Mercedes M117 V8 with Melcher-designed double overhead camshaft, four-valve cylinder heads. The work also extended beyond the engine: the account lists a modified transmission and upgrades to the driveline, chassis and exhaust. That combination helps explain why the Hammer was more than a large engine fitted into an ordinary sedan or coupé. (Mercedes-Benz USA newsroom feature)

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
TOKAXI 1/36 Scale Mercedes Benz AMG GTS Diecast Cars Models,Pull Back Vehicles Toy Cars,Cars Gifts for Boys Girls (Black)
  • High-Quality Materials:The Mercedes Benz GTS die-cast car is made of zinc alloy,plastic parts and rubber tires,making it safe for children to play with.It features detailed interior and exterior trim, and is very sturdy.
  • Function:No batteries are required, but the vehicle has a powerful pull back feature. Simply pull it back, then release your hand, and the car will go for a long distance. The doors may be opened to view the whole inside of the vehicle. So appealing to children and collectors alike.
  • Size:1/36 scale vehicle model with beautiful English packaging,ideal for toddlers to play with and carry. Car collectors will appreciate the perfect small size, which allows them to collect a complete set of cars without taking up too much space.
  • Grow From Play:Help children learn more about car ,expand their knowledge ,increase the hand-eye coordination and the reaction speed of the children in the play.
  • Ideal Christmas Festival Gift:All of TOKAXI die-cast model cars are attractively packaged in English, making them the perfect Christmas, Birthday, Children's Day, New Year gift for kids, party favors, home decorations, or travel toys for boys and girls.gifts for boys girls.

The specific conversion could vary by body style, displacement and market. It is therefore misleading to treat every Hammer as a 6.0-liter coupé or to assign every car the same output and performance figures.

How did the 5.6 sedan and 6.0 coupé differ?

Version Body and displacement Published output and torque Published speed claim
300 E 5.6 AMG W124 sedan, 5.6-liter V8 265 kW (360 PS) and 510 Nm, according to Mercedes-Benz Media (2020) Above 300 km/h in Mercedes-Benz Media (2020); AMG’s undated archive gives up to 303 km/h
300 CE 6.0 AMG W124 coupé, widebody, 6.0-liter V8 283 kW (385 PS) and 566 Nm, according to Mercedes-Benz Media (2020) Not stated in that retrospective
U.S. Hammer account Mercedes-Benz USA’s account describes U.S.-market conversions; it does not make these figures a universal specification for every Hammer 355 hp, as reported by Mercedes-Benz USA; not directly interchangeable with the European PS figures above 0–60 mph in five seconds and nearly 180 mph, as reported by Mercedes-Benz USA

The figures differ because “Hammer” covers cars with different engines, bodies and market specifications. The official AMG archive itself describes a 5.0-to-6.0-liter range. Keep the version and source attached to any specification rather than combining numbers from separate accounts. (AMG Classic archive; Mercedes-Benz Media retrospective, 2020; Mercedes-Benz USA newsroom feature)

Rank #2
KiNSMART - Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 1:36 Scale 5" Die Cast Metal Model Toy Car (White)
  • DIE-CAST CONSTRUCTION: Premium 1:36 scale Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG model featuring authentic die-cast metal body with precise detailing and metallic finish
  • INTERACTIVE DESIGN: Working gull-wing doors reveal detailed interior, plus pull-back motor mechanism for exciting forward-driving action
  • AUTHENTIC STYLING: Expertly crafted with signature Mercedes-Benz design elements including distinctive front grille, side vents, and classic proportions
  • PERFECT DISPLAY SIZE: Measures 5 inches in length, making it ideal for desktop display or showcasing in a collection
  • DURABLE BUILD: High-quality die-cast metal construction with rubber tires and plastic components ensures lasting durability for both play and display

Why was it called “The Hammer”?

Mercedes-Benz Media says American fans gave the car its nickname. Mercedes-Benz USA gives a more specific version of the story: an American journalist reportedly called it “as subtle as a hammer,” after which AMG adopted the name. That is the manufacturer’s U.S. newsroom account of the nickname’s origin, not a separate verification of the original remark. (Mercedes-Benz Media retrospective, 2020; Mercedes-Benz USA newsroom feature)

How many Mercedes-AMG Hammers were made?

No exact production total is established by the available accounts. Mercedes-Benz USA says its U.S. operation built 13 of roughly 30 Hammers, including the only wagon. MotorTrend also reports fewer than 30, while noting that AMG cannot authenticate the total because records from the period were loose. The counts may differ because sources do not necessarily use the same definition of a Hammer; a precise worldwide total should not be presented as settled fact. (Mercedes-Benz USA newsroom feature; MotorTrend)

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
RASTAR 1/43 Officially Licensed Diecast Car Model for Mercedes‑AMG GT2 Gray
  • Kid-Friendly & Safety-Focused Design for Ages 3+: This officially licensed 1:43 Mercedes-AMG GT2 diecast car is designed for kids 3+, with safety as top priority. It meets US toy safety standards, with rounded corners for safe play, compact 4-inch size perfect for small hands. All small parts are securely attached, and the non-toxic, eco-friendly paint is smooth, odor-free and gentle on kids' skin, with no harmful heavy metals, making it a reliable choice trusted by many parents
  • High-Quality Zinc Alloy for Durability & Basic Collectible Appeal: Crafted from high-quality zinc alloy instead of cheap plastic, this model features solid construction and fine workmanship that withstands daily bumps and rough play. The durable material and carefully crafted details make it suitable for long-term keeping as a simple collection for car lovers
  • Smooth & Battery-Free Free Wheel Mechanism: Equipped with a stable free wheel structure, this toy needs no batteries for the driving function, so kids can play anytime, anywhere. It only needs a gentle push to glide forward smoothly, paired with reliable ABS wheels for stable rolling and effective surface protection. The compact size is easy for little hands to hold and play with, helping develop hand-eye coordination
  • Official Licensed Authenticity & Suitable for Casual Display: With official Mercedes-AMG authorization, this model realistically restores the body lines and unique design of the real Mercedes-AMG GT2 track car. The 1:43 compact scale is easy to place on desktops, bookshelves or display cabinets, perfect for beginners and casual fans to start a simple car model collection
  • Ideal Gift for Car Lovers & Beginner Collectors: As an officially licensed Mercedes-AMG GT2 model with both playability and basic collectible value, it is a great gift for kids 3+ and casual car enthusiasts. It comes with an exquisite gift box with official Mercedes-AMG logos, no extra wrapping needed, ready to give. It fits for birthdays, Christmas, Children's Day, back-to-school rewards, or surprises for car-loving kids and new collectors, fitting for family gatherings and party favors

Mercedes-Benz USA also relays an enthusiast distinction between cars with the true 32-valve M117 engine and later M119-engined examples. That distinction is useful context for why Hammer counts can vary, but it does not establish a definitive production ledger. (Mercedes-Benz USA newsroom feature)

Was the Hammer a factory Mercedes-Benz model?

The Hammer was an AMG conversion, not a standard Mercedes-Benz factory model offered as a regular E-Class trim. That distinction matters: AMG was still an independent performance company when it created the car, and the conversion’s specification depended on the build. Mercedes-AMG dates its cooperation contract with Daimler-Benz to 1990. The first jointly developed car resulting from that agreement was the C 36 AMG in 1993, placing the Hammer among the defining creations of AMG’s pre-integration era. (Mercedes-AMG history)

Rank #4
Sale
Model Car Alloy Diecast 1/32 Pull Back Toy Car with Sound and Light, Black
  • Package size:7.05*3.4*3.46inch,package weight:0.68prounds,outer packing:exquisite color translucent packaging box.
  • Materials: Zinc alloy die-cast metal body with ABS plastic details and rubber tires. Highly detailed chassis and interior
  • Cool light and sound function: Car doors and trunks can open, accompanied with lights and sounds. Press the front wheel to have kinds of realistic sound and light.
  • Awesome Gift: The car toy is perfect for birthdays, Christmas gifts, party and cake decorations. It can be a valuable reward gift for kids. It is also good for model car collectors.
  • Interesting pull back car: Put the car on the ground, press and hold the car body, then pull back, it will drive forward. Very funny.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Why does the Hammer still matter?

The Hammer made AMG’s technical ambitions visible in a mid-size Mercedes body: a powerful V8, four-valve engineering and chassis changes, in a car that retained the form and usability of an E-Class. Mercedes-Benz Media describes the 300 CE 6.0 as combining supercar performance with everyday usability. Its significance is also institutional: the car became an early AMG icon before the later formal cooperation with Daimler-Benz and the jointly developed AMG models that followed. (Mercedes-Benz Media retrospective, 2020; Mercedes-AMG history)

Best Value
TGRCM-CZ 1/18 AMG ONE Die-cast Model Car, Collectible Alloy Model with Sound and Light Function and Pullback Function, Silver
  • 【Quality Material】The body is made of zinc alloy, which is sturdy and durable, and the outer paint is electrostatic spraying, which is rust-proof, corrosion-proof, anti-collision, anti-paint loss, and has a long service life. The windows are made of acrylic, non-toxic and odorless. Rubber tires are strong and durable. Provide safe guarding for you and your family.
  • 【Learning Significance】Kids can learn more about cars while playing with the toy car. The color, temperature and material of the toy car can also give children intuitive feelings and help them understand the world.
  • 【Play Function】The door of this toy car can be opened, pressing the front of the car and opening the door can trigger sound and light effects. This toy car has a strong pull back function, put the toy car on the ground and pull back hard, then let go, the toy car can run forward by itself.
  • 【Product Size】This toy car is 1/18 scale. Well-made and realistic, it can also be used as a decoration in addition to being a toy for children to play with. Suitable for people who like car models as a collection.
  • 【Quality after-sales service】We will provide quality pre-sales and after-sales service for the toy cars purchased in our store. You can contact us if you have any questions.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Garage

  1. Entry001Date09 OCT 26Time3 minWhich Brake Pad Should You Buy From RockAuto or Elsewhere?Section: Blog
  2. Entry002Date09 OCT 26Time5 minThe Pros and Cons of Touchless Car Wash SystemsSection: Blog
  3. Entry003Date09 OCT 26Time3 minCan a Trickle Charger or Battery Tender Properly Charge a Car Battery?Section: Blog

Thanks for visiting Carcody

Carcody.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.