When most enthusiasts think of Japanese market vehicles, they almost automatically refer to the right-hand drive kei cars and trucks, or low-mileage sports cars bearing names like “Skyline” and “Fairlady.” The somewhat hidden market that exists in Japan actually also includes a robust European car sector that includes numerous high-end models upgraded by world-renown tuning shops, often completed for Japanese high rollers. It’s not much different from the sultans and prices in the Middle East, with the exception being that those guys make the Japanese heavy hitters look like they’re playing in the kiddy pool. Regardless, this AMG-built 1993 Mercedes-Benz 400E listed here on eBay is a perfect example of the other hidden gems that are hiding out in Japan – and this one is even left-hand drive.

Sometimes, when the AMG name is tossed around as part of a verbal word salad, it’s being used disingenuously, as you can throw AMG-branded parts at a Mercedes all day long but still not have an actual AMG car. This 400E appears to be the real deal, with the seller noting that Mercedes’ own tuning shop built just 77 S1, S2, and S3 400E sedans as part of the organization’s Japan operations. The different designations represented different stages of performance equipment, and with this car being an S3, it ostensibly has the most upgrades to its drivetrain. These include an AMG-built DOHC V8 churning out 308 b.h.p. and channeled through an AMG-built “sport differential.” Other upgrades include the BBS wheels seen here along with a tasteful body kit.

The interior remained the tried-and-true formula that the W124 cars execute so well, with a simple elegance that is hard to beat and upholstery materials that are impossible to kill. The cabin looks to have been maintained to a high standard, and this is another stale of the Japanese market for executive cars. They are driven sparingly (this Mercedes has just under 50,000 original miles) and maintained religiously. The cosmetics tells the story here, as the light gray leather, carpets, and door panels all seemingly remain blemish-free. The woodgrain trim actually looks like new, which is hardly ever the case among W124 cars unless it has been carefully stored indoors since birth and wiped clean with a diaper cloth every night. You just don’t see nice woodgrain in the W124 cars once they’ve been around the block a few times.

The engine bay is impeccable, with no signs of dirt or spilled fluids. It’s hard to believe that a car with 50,000 miles on it can still look this good. The seller notes it is loaded up with features, including a full McIntosh car stereo, automatic climate control, AMG exhaust system, AMG suspension, AMG body kit with bolt-on fender lip extensions, and more. The seller claims this 400E was imported not too long ago in 2019, but it’s still long enough to use something and then grow tired of it. With lots of cool, Japan-only features and loads of high-performance hardware, it would seem foolish not to at least attempt to buy it given the current high bid of $21,000 is pretty light for such a desirable (and rare) specimen. How high would you be willing to bid for one of these exclusive AMG-built E-Classes?