Rescued Mercedes-Benz C63 Wagon Saved from Illegal Importation

Europe holds a treasure trove of forbidden automotive gems that leave American enthusiasts dreaming. Our import laws require a 25-year wait before bringing over these European classics, or risk losing the car altogether. However, one Swiss owner of a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG wagon decided to take matters into their own hands and brought their car to Chicago through unconventional means.

Thanks to the team at Auto Parts City in Gurnee, Illinois, this illegally imported Mercedes was saved from the brink of destruction at the hands of the EPA. The car in question is a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG wagon, a model that never officially made its way to the United States. While we did receive larger E-class wagons, there is something special about the smaller C63 AMG wagon with its powerful 6.

2-liter V-8 engine producing 451 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. The Swiss owner went through the importation process to bring the car to the States, but some shady decisions were made along the way. The car was listed as a C240 model to avoid detection by authorities, but the European VIN was eventually discovered during an emissions inspection.

This led to the EPA demanding the car be destroyed or returned to Europe immediately. Facing a hefty cost to ship the car back, the owner opted to scrap it with Auto Parts City. The team at Auto Parts City, known for their preservation efforts, was determined to save the rare AMG from destruction.

They applied for a junk title from the state of Illinois, ensuring the car could never be driven on U.S. roads again.

With this document in hand, the team was able to export the car back to Europe after finding a buyer. Although the process was completed a few months ago, it's heartening to know that this unique AMG was spared from a premature demise. Kudos to the team at Auto Parts City for their dedication to saving valuable machines.