Founded in 1967 by a pair of former Mercedes-Benz engineers, the engine builder and independent tuning firm AMG quickly became known for shoehorning large engines into small chassis. Combining the Teutonic quality of Mercedes-Benz products with a no-holds-barred flair for exotic performance and bold aesthetics, by 1986 the company had flourished into a known brand. At approximately the same time, AMG started developing racing engines with Mercedes-Benz, and thus began its slow walk toward the marque’s corporate umbrella. Put simply, AMG had achieved marked, worldwide success by following a simple ethos: if your pockets were deep enough, they would build it for you.

This 560 SEC 6.0 “Wide Body” is an exemplary representative of one of AMG’s wildest and most famous creations. The cost of the 6.0-liter and wide-body packages from AMG—tacked onto the sticker price of a brand-new, flagship SEC Coupe—made this car one of the most expensive roadgoing marvels of the period. These prohibitively high costs assured that only the most well-heeled enthusiasts could showcase the pinnacle of the tuning firm’s catalog.

FASTER, WIDER, MEANER

Finished in the archetypical color combination of Blue-Black Metallic over Anthracite leather, this 560 SEC was originally specified as a German-market order and delivered new to AMG Headquarters in Affalterbach, Germany, where it was subsequently transformed into the revered super-coupe presented today. Significantly, this example is accompanied by copies of the original AMG invoices circa July 1987, which indicate the conversion was executed on behalf of one H. Herrmann out of Berlin with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of more than $170,000.

AMG’s work consisted of taking a stock 5.5-liter M117 V-8 and boring it out to 6.0 liters and equipping it with a set of high-performance camshafts housed within of pair of proprietary 16-valve, three-piece, sand-cast cylinder heads. With a modified throttle body, freer-breathing exhaust, and ported intake manifold, this engine produces a reported 385 horsepower and provides twice the torque at half the engine speed of the stock configuration. All this newfound power is routed to the rear wheels via an upgraded transmission. It appears that AMG originally outfitted this car with a 2.47:1 rear axle, but a 2.65:1 rear axle is now fitted. A proper set of staggered, color-matched, three-piece Aero III 17-inch wheels by OZ wear Bridgestone Potenza tires.

Both the engine and transmission numbers are of the correct AMG sequences indicating period modification. AMG body kit numbers are found on the front fenders and front bumper with correct West German production information, and the valve cover stampings identify the 6.0-liter displacement, sequence number, and appropriate employee ID code. Further stampings on the heads, exhaust manifolds, and throttle body are similar testaments to this coupe’s significant modifications. Further, AMG four-piston front brake calipers are present along with the exclusive and correct “AMG by Bilstein” shocks and matching springs.

The car’s Anthracite leather interior is restrained, highlighted with exceedingly attractive burl wood trim on the doors, dashboard, and center-console. Recaro CSE seats with deep side bolsters feature numerous power adjustments and complement a four-spoke, leather-wrapped, AMG-branded M38 steering wheel by Momo.

Since entering the consignor’s collection in 2015, this menacing super-coupe has traveled fewer than 65 kilometers (40 miles), and it indicated just 24,014 kilometers (14,913 miles) at time of cataloguing. While many AMG-modified Mercedes-Benzes from this era might have only a few of high-performance or cosmetic attributes, this exceptional 560 SEC 6.0 “Wide Body” benefits from all the company’s most desirable and expensive upgrades, making it truly exceptional.