Engine: All alloy straight 6 DOHC, 3600cc
Fuel system: Bosch MSS Fuel Injection
Power output: 268bhp @ 7000rpm
Max speed: 155mph
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 6.3 sec
Weight: 1510 Kg

The C36 is a Mercedes-Benz that got hijacked by Hans and Franz. While other C-class sedans travel from Deutschland to dealership with just a few swipes of chamois along the way, the C36 takes a major detour through the workshop of Aufrecht and Melcher in Grossaspach. Aufrecht and Melcher were two Mercedes-Benz engineers who were disgruntled with the lack of performance orientation Mercedes was taking, and they formed their own company in 1967. As performance cars became more popular, Mercedes-Benz leaned toward them for ideas on what to do with their cars.

So, what did Aufrecht and Melcher (also known as AMG) do to Mercedes' C280? They "bored out, beefed up, forged, stroked, shaped, tightened and tuned" the luxury saloon, turning up the horsepower from 194 to 268 and slashing the 0-60 mph time from 8.3 seconds to 6.4. You wouldn't guess it to look at the C36. Except for a few flourishes in the rocker panels and air dam, it looks pretty much like the "Baby Benz" that debuted in 1994 at prices meant to lure more buyers into M-B showrooms.

If you still have trouble telling the cars apart, a test drive will distinguish the C36. Put the pedal down on the wundercar and you'll get a visceral introduction to Aufrecht and Melcher in Grossaspach. You might also start looking for the least policed piece of macadam in hopes of getting past the halfway mark on the speedometer (top speed 155 mph). The engine got other enhancements, such as flat-topped aluminum pistons derived from AMG's motorsport design, remapped valve timing and a modified camshaft; a balanced, lightened crankshaft; a larger, lightweight intake manifold; sodium-cooled valves and enlarged exhaust ports. The worldwide production number Mercedes-Benz quoted was 1,000 during the three years. That makes it a rare beast.

Weekday points: 4; Weekend day points: 8.