First breaking cover in October of 1990 at the Paris Motor Show, the Mercedes-Benz 500 E utilised an engineering relationship with Stuttgart-based neighbour, Porsche. The latter company was briefed to stretch the front frame rails of the Mercedes-Benz W124 chassis to accommodate the newly Le Mans-tested “M119” V-8 powerplant in the engine bay.

Fitment of the potent-yet-compact 5.0-litre, 32-valve, quad-cam, short-stroke, all-aluminium engine necessitated uprated suspension and brakes in order to handle the additional power, while affording it the dynamics of a genuine E34-generation BMW M5-rivalling saloon. These were sourced from the heavier and wider R129-generation Mercedes-Benz SL.

The addition of the uprated suspension and brakes required 56 millimetres of additional wheel arch width, meaning the car simply would not fit down the Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen production line. The result was a complex build process whereby Porsche adapted the chassis before Mercedes-Benz painted it, then Porsche hand-assembled the car before Mercedes-Benz signed it off. Each phase required transportation between the two assembly lines, resulting in an assembly time of 18 days per car.

The end package, however, was outstanding. The 500 E enthralled the motoring media and was instantly and widely proclaimed as one of the best sport saloons of all time. Modest criticism arose only when it came to the car’s cost; because of the complex production and engineering processes, the model cost more than DM 130,000 when new, with the equivalent BMW M5 closer to DM 80,000.

This 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500 E is finished in Blue-Black metallic paintwork over an attractive grey leather interior with dark burr walnut trim on the dashboard, centre console, and door cards. Delivered new to Switzerland, it boasts a desirable factory specification which includes a rear roller blind, an electric sunroof, electrically adjustable steering column, heated electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, and automatic climate control.

This well-optioned and well-presented example is accompanied by its service booklet and a selection of maintenance documentation. To this day, the thought of Stuttgart’s two rival powerhouse manufacturers combining is as exciting as it is unlikely, making this potent and rare collaborative effort even sweeter to savour.