• A vehicle Mercedes refused to call a minivan, the Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG was labeled as a Sports Tourer that could achieve 155 mph.
• The R63 was only sold for one year, with 113 believed to have been produced for North America and 108 making it to the United States.
• Up for auction on Bring a Trailer right now, this example is made even more special by being one of two models finished in Barolo Red Metallic paint for all of North America.
Around here we appreciate the absurd, especially when that absurdity pertains to dropping a fire breathing 6.2-liter AMG V-8 into a not-quite-a-minivan. Back in 2007, Mercedes was doing the important work of catering to parents embattled in Fast and Furious style stop-light drag races during their morning commutes. Hence the 2007 Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG.
Somewhere in the ballpark of 200 R63 AMGs were produced globally over its single production year, with 108 allegedly making it to the U.S. Of the 108 models that made it here, we believe only two were finished in this head-turning Barolo Red Metallic paint. This one is now up for auction on Bring a Trailer, which—like Car and Driver—is part of Hearst Autos.
When they made it, Mercedes did not want to associate themselves with minivans, opting instead to designate the R63 as a “sports tourer.” Whatever its classification, the R63 runs to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 155 mph. It comes with all-wheel drive, a panoramic sunroof, a leather interior, heated front and rear seats, and a rear entertainment system, making it a sort of luxury-van/GT car concoction. That’s all pretty impressive for a 15-year-old vehicle, even one that started just shy of $90,000 new. All that power and style results in a perfect package to leave any rival booster club members in your dust and show them why you got elected booster club treasurer.
This one comes with 88,000 miles on the dash. It rides on Airmatic AMG suspension and 20-inch AMG wheels. Even without the paint color, this car would be something special. Most people who see it on the road or parked at the local Trader Joe’s won’t give it a second glance, but for those of us with a corner of our hearts dedicated to unusual cars, this will always be something special. If you’ve got the same fondness, the auction for this R63 goes until Wednesday, November 23.
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Source: www.caranddriver.com