Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG | Spotted

Small Mercedes, large V8, big appeal - and reasonably little money

That the next Mercedes-AMG C63 will downsize its mighty 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 to a four-cylinder replacement is probably one of the industry's worst kept secrets. Nothing has been directly confirmed, of course - but the rumours haven't been vigorously denied either. We all suspected the day would come that a V8 in a C-Class became untenable; we just all hoped it was further off than 2022.

How different things used to be. Having upgraded the C36 AMG - the first AMG C-Class - from half a dozen cylinders to V8 power with the C43 of 1998, Mercedes then switched back to six with the supercharged C32 early in the 21st century. That wasn't deemed quite suitable, however, and so the AMG C-Class was upsized - and upsized quite drastically. For the 2004 revision of the W203 C-Class, the CLK 55's engine was dropped into the AMG flagship. That was a giant M113 5.4-litre V8, essentially the naturally-aspirated version of the legendary unit detonated by all who had access to SL55, E55 and CL55 accelerator pedals.

Of course, it did the typical AMG numbers: 367hp and 376lb ft was sufficient for 5.2 seconds to 62mph (with just a five-speed auto) and a thunderous charge all the way to 155mph. Cruically, though, the C55 marked a change in direction for AMG after the C32, a more dynamic C-Class range topper that paved the way for its stellar W204, C63 replacement.

Tracks were widened, springs and dampers were stiffened, kinematics reworked and steering quickened. There was proper manual control introduced to the automatic, too, giving the C55 a level of driver focus unheard of in a hot C-Class to this point. It wasn't an E46 M3 to drive (what is?) but the C55 was regarded the dynamic superior of the rather stoic B7 Audi S4. Despite that, the C55 was and remains a rare car. Its £48,000 price back in 2004 is the equivalent of almost £75k today; the BMW had the manual gearbox in its favour, the Audi quattro all-weather usability. Today it's believed there are only 100 left registered in the UK.

This black wagon is one of them, appearing like a great value way into the world of big-engine, small car AMG mischief at £11,995. It's an imported Japanese example, so might require a little more research than a UK domestic market car (it's only had one MOT over here, for example), but on these pictures - and the fact that it passed that MOT without an advisory - the C55 looks a decent one. Indeed given this cars hails from when Mercedes wasn't building vehicles to quite its usual standards, a lifetime in an environment famously kind to the rust-prone might make this C55 an especially good one. The mileage is low at 70,000, the leather looks in really good condition and the dash is unmarked. Of course caution is still to be advised, but it would seem there are encouraging signs. Plus it means you get a cool square numberplate.

Are there any C55 alternatives at £12k? A few. A Volvo will provide plentiful performance and space (if not quite the dynamic grace) for less money in the case of this V70 R, and you could even mimic the Mercedes' JDM status with this imported 850. Sadly there aren't any comparable V8 S4s, though this supercharged V6 model appeals with its later interior, improved dynamics and manual gearbox.

But you want the V8 though, don't you? That's often what it comes back to with an AMG; even though the cars have made huge advances over the years everywhere else, the emotional appeal of having eight cylinders has often proved convincing. There's no doubt at all that we'll miss the inspired combination of hulking V8 and unassuming C-Class body when it eventually goes - so what better time to take the plunge?

SPECIFICATION | MERCEDES-BENZ C55 AMG

Engine: 5,439cc, V8
Transmission: 5-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 367@5,750rpm
Torque (lb ft): 376@4,000rpm)
MPG: 24
CO2: 286g/km
Year registered: 2005 (UK 2019)
Recorded mileage: 70,628
Price new: c. £48,000
Yours for: £11,995