SOLD Barry Taylor Cars and Inventory Auction (Sold June 24, 2024)

[WDB748372]

Bonhams : AMG REDISCOVEREDBONHAMS|CARS OFFERS THE BARRY TAYLOR COLLECTION

Bonhams Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers: auctioneers of art, pictures, collectables and motor cars

www.bonhams.com

Barry Taylor had passed away in 2020 and now there are several cars and many parts being auctioned at Bonhams. It's noted many of these cars have been in long term storage and haven't run since.

All the auctions under the "AMG Rediscovered Online: Part 1" can be found under this link.

Some notable auctions:

1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 TE AMG Estate Chassis no. TP18150-241598 (M117 5.2L) <-- Sold for US $138,000 inc. premium​

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1980 Mercedes-Benz 380SE Sedan VIN. WDB12603212008773 <-- Sold for US $14,950 inc. premium​

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1980 Mercedes-Benz 280E 'AMG' Chassis no. 123.033.12.066427 <-- Sold for US $39,100 inc. premium​

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1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC Cabriolet Conversion VIN. WDB12604412001789 <-- Sold for US $10,925 inc. premium​

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1983 Mercedes-Benz 190E AMG 'Wide Body' VIN. WDB20102410004827 <-- Sold for US $43,700 inc. premium​

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1984 Mercedes-Benz 190E AMG VIN. WDB20102410030176 <-- Sold for US $52,900 inc. premium​

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1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL AMG 6.0 VIN. WDB1260371A086730 (M117 6.0 engine and DOHC heads claimed to be included but not installed in car, also not shown in photos) <-- Sold for US $63,250 inc. premium​

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1985 Mercedes-Benz 230E AMG VIN. WDB1240231A005661 <-- Sold for US $25,300 inc. premium​

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1996 Mercedes-Benz E50 AMG VIN. WDB2100721A165937 <-- Sold for US $23,000 inc. premium, but sale did not consummate - see below​

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RELIST: ​

1996 Mercedes-Benz E50 AMG VIN. WDB2100721A165937 <-- Sold for US $20,700 inc. premium,​

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1997 Mercedes-Benz E420 AMG Wagon VIN. WDB2102721A422118 (Barry Taylor's personal 'shop car') <-- Sold for US $18,400 inc. premium​

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A lot of 3, M117 AMG cam shafts <-- Sold for US $21,760 inc. premium (!!!)​

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An Eisemann R129 500E muffler <-- Sold for US $832 inc. premium​

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A Mercedes-Benz M119 .974 500E engine (Long block no accessories, no MAF, no flywheel) <-- Sold for US $2,048 inc. premium​

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A Mercedes-Benz M117 performance upgrade kit <-- Sold for US $1,088 inc. premium​

Los Angeles – The much-anticipated Barry Taylor collection of over 400 lots of pre-merger AMG parts and spares and over 20 collector cars will be offered without reserve by Bonhams|Cars across two sales this summer. This collection, considered the largest of its kind, provides a unique opportunity for the burgeoning AMG collector community to acquire these sought-after and rare items.

Barry Taylor (1935-2020), a well-known car collector in the Bay Area, amassed an impressive array of over 20 Mercedes-Benz cars spanning from the 1970s to 1990s. These vehicles, with their distinctive designs and period accessories, are iconic classics that provide a rich historical context for the legendary Mercedes-Benz brand. In addition to the car collection, the family unearthed a treasure trove of pre-merger AMG parts and spares, many still in their original packaging. The massive collection, likely the last of its kind to be presented in the US, represents an exciting opportunity to acquire such essential materials.

Kurt Forry, Bonhams|Cars Specialist of Automobilia in the US commented: "This is a restorer's dream come true. It's akin to stepping into a pre-1990 AMG dealership and having the chance to sift through a cache of vintage stock parts. The significance of this collection is amplified by the growing enthusiasm for pre-merger AMG parts, as these cars continue to gain traction in the market."

AMG Rediscovered: Part 1 will present 200 lots on BonhamsCars.com from June 17 – 24. The remaining collection will be offered online from July 22 – 29.

Preserved untouched since 1993, Taylor's collection serves as a time capsule of this pivotal period in automotive history. The collection primarily consists of New Old Stock, Original manufactured, Pre-AMG merger parts and spares. This includes rare body kits, conversion parts, suspension kits, interior parts and upholstery, like-new headlights, and unused AMG wheels in their original boxes.

Within the lineup of over 20 important vehicles of note is the 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 TE AMG (estimate: $150,000 – 180,000). Reportedly the only example with an AMG ID plate, this vehicle is one of just a few AMG-tuned W123 estates. Its powerful and exceedingly rare 5.2-litre AMG engine and 5-speed manual transmission was the precursor to the legendary E-Class "Hammer".

Other highlights include the 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC Coupe 6.9 "The Green Machine" (estimate: $45,000 – 60,000), featuring a wealth of desirable period accessories, as well as the 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190E AMG 'Wide Body' (estimate: $25,000 – 35,000), which is a fantastic pre-merger AMG example on the W201 platform.

 

[gsxr]

wow, some of those cars look TERRIBLE. Guess some were stored outdoors for years?

1997 Mercedes-Benz E420 AMG Wagon
VIN. WDB2102721A422118​

4,196cc DOHC Type M119 V8 Engine
Bosch Electronic Fuel Injection
279bhp at 5,700rpm
5-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*A rare V8-powered W210 estate
*Equipped from new with AMG sports suspension
*Delivered new to AMG for numerous upgrades
*Special order Designo interior with AMG touches
*Requires Recommissioning


THE MERCEDES-BENZ W210

The mid-sized W210 E-Class succeeded the venerable W124 in the mid-1990s, ushering in a new era for Mercedes-Benz styling and design. While some lamented the loss of Bruno Sacco's understated, sharp-edged styling, others embraced this bold new look for Mercedes. Despite some early teething problems, the W210 was ultimately a resounding sales success, and was a worthy bearer of the E-Class torch.

With AMG and Mercedes-Benz cementing their partnership in the early 1990s, the opportunity to offer new options across the line grew dramatically. AMG offered a fully reworked W210 with a 5-liter engine known as the E50 (and later the E55 in the USA), but many of the tuning parts could be fitted to 'cooking' versions as well.


THE CAR OFFERED

The car offered here from the Barry Taylor Estate is a rare, European market E420 Wagon, equipped from new with the 4.2-liter version of the venerable M119 DOHC V8 engine. Aside from its rarity as a V8 powered estate, this car was highly optioned with a number of special-order features from the AMG catalogue. Build records show it was ordered via the Coblenz Branch in Germany, with additional text indicating it was delivered to AMG with Code 772 (AMG Styling Package) and fitted with a host of options. The option sheet spans two pages to include such niceties as a Designo interior, Xenon lamps with washers, AMG sport suspension, decorative stitching, additional, leather covered options, Alcantara headlining and sun visors, and much more.

It is believed that Barry Taylor used this unique E420 as his 'shop car' after retiring his W123 E500 estate. It is presented in fair condition overall and would serve as an excellent basis for a light refurbishment. Please note that this car has been in long-term storage, has not been started while in Bonhams' care, and will require recommissioning.

Footnotes​

Note, due to California emissions laws, this vehicle may only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside the state of California or to a licensed automotive dealer.

Saleroom notices​

Please note that title is in transit.

 

[WDB748372]

Agreed. The E420T in particular looks ready to part out and who knows about the mechanical condition if this even turns. I've generally seen the stitched dashboards hold up better against cracking but this is by far the worst I've ever seen. Looks like this hasn't ever seen any shade let alone being parked in a garage.

 

[benzgarden]

From one hoarder to the next, guess we will see them at Patina soon.

 

[hAMGurger]

@benzgarden

probably not (just my guess)...

@WDB748372 I think that they've all been outside for periods of several months/years. I think Barry rotated them in/out before his health declined, or perhaps he had several storage places. Nonetheless, you'll see a few of the cars here through the years.

None of the cars or parts are at this property anymore, in fact I'm not sure the estate owns it anymore!

 

[WDB748372]

Part 1 of the auctions brought in a total of $1,190,158.60 including premiums. $918,275.00 were from vehicle sales and the remaining $271,883.60 were almost all parts.

 

[jhodg5ck]

It did all still belong to the estate, more or less....but it's been tied up in probate since Barry passed.

All of these cars hadn't moved in 20+ years Minimum. The level of refurb required to get them back right is massive.

The quad cam SEL had a cracked head and we Know the intake was missing..which is bespoke to the DOHC M117. Detailed condition reports showed that car needed EVERYTHING. I was interested till I saw all of that. By the time you spend the 200G making it right again you're real close to the value...And in order to complete it you're going to have to find an intake. Not to say that's impossible but it not easy.

The car prices were fairly on point otherwise, some went cheaper vs what I expected, Green Machine, Blue Shoe...


Now the parts, some of those prices literally had me Choking on my coffee...blew my mind.

Fun Times!

jono

 

[WDB748372]

Part 2 is up now with just 24 lots this time. Seems like remaining bits of parts/literature.

Bonhams Cars : AMG Rediscovered Online Part 2 Automobilia from the Estate of Barry Taylor

Modern cars, supercars, racing cars, classic and vintage cars offered in our global auctions. Get a free auction estimate on your Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini and more.

cars.bonhams.com

I was able to find some photos from a while back and would love to see more if anyone has them saved.

 

[hAMGurger]

Part 2 is up now with just 24 lots this time. Seems like remaining bits of parts/literature.

Bonhams Cars : AMG Rediscovered Online Part 2 Automobilia from the Estate of Barry Taylor

Modern cars, supercars, racing cars, classic and vintage cars offered in our global auctions. Get a free auction estimate on your Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini and more.

cars.bonhams.com

I was able to find some photos from a while back and would love to see more if anyone has them saved.

this auction will be 200-300 more items when its all done.
Love the old photos.

 

[jhodg5ck]

I'd been looking for the those old photos, good on you for keeping them!

And yes, a goodly bit more yet to come. Will be interesting.

IDK who bought the BTE/Not AMG Camshafts, but they sure paid handily and then some

jono

 

[alibo70]

Rest of the lot uploaded. Some interesting stuff this round for sure.

 

[AMG5PT4]

After all the visits to BT’s warehouse and all the pics that were taken, really surprised that there are no W126 spring sets available.

 

[e500.org]

After all the visits to BT’s warehouse and all the pics that were taken, really surprised that there are no W126 spring sets available.

There is one

 

[AMG5PT4]

Those are Lorinser brand, not AMG. I should have been more precise in my post that I am surprised there are no AMG spring sets for the W126 chassis.

In the pics posted above from a visit to BT’s warehouse many years ago, there is one pic showing racks of springs. Hard to believe none of those are for the W126. Matter of fact, if you pinch out that pic, you can see “126” written on one white spring on the left.

The early AMG springs were white and later springs (later Gen II) were black. The red springs are Eibach brand.

 

[WDB748372]

Part 2 of the auctions brought in a total of $338,302.39 including premiums. This excludes the two vehicles that were relisted, 1980 380SE and 1996 E50.

 

[mercepor]

some serious prices...

Bonhams Cars : An AMG for Mercedes-Benz C126 wide-body package,

right front fender (7880157), left front fender (7880169), right rear quarter panel flair in steel (7880159), left rear quarter panel flair in steel (7880158), rear spoiler (7880384), side skirt left (7880161), side skirt right (7880162). includes 2 x front fenders, 2 x rear quarter panels, 1...

cars.bonhams.com

 

[AMG5PT4]

IMO, this was the "steel" of the day for Part 2 items offered:

Bonhams Cars : An AMG for Mercedes-Benz C126 wide-body steel rear quarter panels,

1 appears new and the other has been fitted for a car, both show extensive signs of shelf ware. (2)

cars.bonhams.com

Great price for legit rear steel flares. Have some nicks and dents, but easy for any solid restoration shop.

 

[Amgmercedes.parts.fulloptions]

I may was responsible for 1/3 of it

 

[Amgmercedes.parts.fulloptions]

@AMG5PT4
Mine

 

[Amgmercedes.parts.fulloptions]

@benzgarden

They didnt bought anything i am aware of

 

[WANNA500E]

WOW! So about 25 years ago I actually met BT at the above shop on of all things my honeymoon. He met me there and opened it up and spent over an hour just talking and showing me everything. Most of the cars look exactly like I remember. He had made a few claims to owning the AMG West name, etc, etc. I believe he was driving a black E60 of some sort as I had no clue what it was but he went on and on about it.

As for the parts there seamed to be a lot more when I was there and I still have the catalog he gave me with the hand written prices scribbled in the back. The odd thing was when I called him to buy parts it became very obvious none were for sale. There had to be 100 Penta's and suspension kits everywhere. 25 years ago parts were still showing up on EBAY and the like so it was no big deal to me at the time.

Wish I saw the auction as I was just wondering what happened to him and that collection. Hope someone remanufactures some of those parts.

I will try and post pics

 

[WANNA500E]

 

[WDB748372]

This could be the E60 he was talking about. He also had an E60 estate after 2004 which I purchased from the auction but don't have any photos of that car sadly.

Would love to see more photos if you any more.

 

[WANNA500E]

I asked my wife to see our honeymoon pics and when I told her why she started laughing. We have moved a few times and she is trying to locate them.

There was his card stapled on the front of the catalog but it has since been lost.

The price was for a blue 380SE? but I thought in was a stick and a lighter color. At the time I had a stick 280SE with some AMG bits and a 350SLC with a lot of AMG parts on it.

The car above looks like what he pulled in with. There was also a candy red car that stood out. I remember everything being so dusty.

Maybe I caught him on a good day but he was a really nice guy eager to talk and talk about anything AMG.

 

[AMG5PT4]

I just didn't understand BT's mentality about his AMG parts horde - why buy up all the AMG N America parts (at least the parts from BHMA) and not market them? You can't take them with you when you are room temperature. I was able to pry away from BT/Jeff a single 9x16 Gen II penta wheel to complete a set of 8's and 9's. I tried to get a spring set and Sebring exhaust pieces to no avail - he just wouldn't sell anything.

The two Bonhams auctions were poorly managed, IMO. They desperately needed a knowledgeable consultant to help identify and properly arrange the lots - especially the wheels!

 

[WDB748372]

It does seem quite pointless to hoard all of it especially given the value and demand. I took a snapshot of his website and at least he had some of the cars listed for sale but all of them besides the 500GE were part of the recent Bonhams auction. I'm guessing even when he did sell something it was on the higher end. I was reading through some older forum posts and he was also asking $65k for his E60 estate.

 

[captruff]

This could be the E60 he was talking about. He also had an E60 estate after 2004 which I purchased from the auction but don't have any photos of that car sadly.

Would love to see more photos if you any more.

If that is the Piedade E60 then here are a few current photos of the car.


Jeff

 

[WANNA500E]

If that is the Piedade E60 then here is a current photo of the car. Jeff

I would be lying if I could say with any certainty that is teh car he drove up in but I am fairly sure it was a E60

I didnt know the pics under the auction could be expanded and the cars I was describing are all there

The prices on my book are for the blue 126 and the white 107

Still looking for pics but honestly its probably no more than what is shown here.

As far as why he wouldn't sell I do remember him having a lot to say about owning or having owned the AMG USA or West name at one time as it seamed far fetched. He said he was the largest supplier and he also was supposedly still modifying cars.

That is all unfortunately I have to offer at this time and sad to see it broken up in a way and wish I knew about auction.

Love the e60 and great buy.

 

[hAMGurger]

Barry was semi-famous (as were many others across the US during the grey-market period) for taking money from people for federalization and then hooking 'em up with a bunch of paperwork and engine labels that allowed the car to pass inspection from the authorities. The whole "pass a magic hand over the engine bay" trick was in full force.

@WDB748372 I would be willing to bet that your car is missing a number of emission/fuel/exhaust related bits which a US-market federalized car should have.

I mean, look at that engine label, it says "E 420" and the "5.9" under the displacement field. Hilarious!

More importantly, can you please post a picture of the EZL unit in the car?
Is it HWA 124 545 06 32?
01554 56 032? something else?

Very curious for documentation's sake as the early AMG/HWA bits are getting harder to find.

Also, what does the exhaust system look like? I'd presume exactly the same as your other E60T

 

[gsxr]

More importantly, can you please post a picture of the EZL unit in the car?

WDB748372's cars are W210 with ME 1.0 injection, so there is no EZL.

Is it HWA 124 545 06 32?

The original AMG EZL used on LH-SFI engines (HWA-124-545-06-32) was a Bosch unit with a high failure rate. These were often replaced with standard 5.0L Siemens EZL's. There was never a Siemens AMG/HWA EZL produced. Previous discussion on this forum indicated the only difference on the "special" HWA- EZL was an ignition map with less timing advance. This ignition map may have been identical to a standard 5.0L EZL with a #3 trim plug (-3° crank angle). All RENNtech M119.97x 6.0L builds were delivered with standard EZL's, not the AMG/HWA unit. I believe most Brabus and other tuner 6.0's also used the stock EZL.

01554 56 032? something else?

015-545-60-32 is a 4.2L EZL, and should not be present with either a 5.0L or 6.0L engine.

 

[WDB748372]

@WDB748372 I would be willing to bet that your car is missing a number of emission/fuel/exhaust related bits which a US-market federalized car should have.

I don't think Barry did anything much. I see he cut into the front bumper impact strips and slapped on some R107 side markers but in terms of other US market federalization I'm not sure if there is anything done. I'm not familiar with CA emissions but he probably ran it on dealer plates all this time to avoid that.

From my ownership perspective this should be the equivalent of me finding another Euro E60T and importing it. After 25 years it's exempt and here in IL I registered the vehicle as Antique to not go through emission testing either. So the auction was good timing. I had some emission issues with a 1998 Euro E55 that required emissions here but didn't have an OBDII port.

I mean, look at that engine label, it says "E 420" and the "5.9" under the displacement field. Hilarious!

I still don't know how that was missed. Bonhams listed it as a E420 but didn't bother to investigate the 5.9L displacement or even remove some of the caked on oil to reveal the AMG 60 stamp.

More importantly, can you please post a picture of the EZL unit in the car?
Is it HWA 124 545 06 32?
01554 56 032? something else?

Wasn't EZL up until 1995? These have 8 individual coil packs instead.

Also, what does the exhaust system look like? I'd presume exactly the same as your other E60T

I'm out of town to confirm but I didn't notice anything that was obvious/different than the other E60T.

 

[hAMGurger]

WDB748372's cars are W210 with ME 1.0 injection, so there is no EZL.




The original AMG EZL used on LH-SFI engines (HWA-124-545-06-32) was a Bosch unit with a high failure rate. These were often replaced with standard 5.0L Siemens EZL's. There was never a Siemens AMG/HWA EZL produced. Previous discussion on this forum indicated the only difference on the "special" HWA- EZL was an ignition map with less timing advance. This ignition map may have been identical to a standard 5.0L EZL with a #3 trim plug (-3° crank angle). All RENNtech M119.97x 6.0L builds were delivered with standard EZL's, not the AMG/HWA unit. I believe most Brabus and other tuner 6.0's also used the stock EZL.




015-545-60-32 is a 4.2L EZL, and should not be present with either a 5.0L or 6.0L engine.

Ah shit, Dave. Totally forgot. My B!

 

[chicky]

WDB748372's cars are W210 with ME 1.0 injection, so there is no EZL.

Hi Dave

Sent you a PM (urgent info needed), please check your inbox ... thank you in advance

Best regards

 

[gsxr]

Hi Dave

Sent you a PM (urgent info needed), please check your inbox ... thank you in advance

Best regards

Thanks for the heads-up, @chicky!

 

[DTang]

New member to this forum, and here the 280se and e50 joined my garage recently

 

[TerryA]

@DTang,
Very Nice!

 

[jhodg5ck]

I do love me some M110! Did you verify if the engine has in fact had work done? They modified the lifters on those which is your easiest Tell.

 

[DTang]

I do love me some M110! Did you verify if the engine has in fact had work done? They modified the lifters on those which is your easiest Tell.

I dont think so, they never mentioned amg engine work in the auction listing for the 280se, only said it is a new engine/full rebuild, i did check the stampings while trying to get it running again and as far as i can tell they all say 110.987, is there anything i should check for an amg head/lifter?

 

[gerryvz]

I do love me some M110! Did you verify if the engine has in fact had work done? They modified the lifters on those which is your easiest Tell.

Someone say M110 ?!? Was driving this one just a couple of weeks ago in Germany/Austria/Czech Republic......

 

[weide1]

I took a closer look at this one. Bonhams Cars : 1984 Mercedes-Benz 190E AMG VIN. WDB20102410030176

It shows Stage 3 Engine Tuning 181 DIN HP !!
Amazing. Since it's from a 2 liter M102, not being the 16 valves version. And from 1984.

Benz Collector Sneek owns it. He also owns the other Barry Taylor W201, the 190 widebody.