Mercedes-Benz unveiled the SEC series in 1979, with pillarless styling executed by Bruno Sacco and ever-expected Teutonic build quality assuring confident road feel at all speeds. Though a remarkable vehicle which sold very well for Mercedes-Benz, the SEC’s enthusiast-driven legacy is owed in large part to AMG. On the SEC platform, AMG offered engine modifications with displacements of 5.0, 5.4, 5.6, and 6.0 liters. Externally, these cars were fitted with distinctive styling options including a full set of widened body fenders, which allowed significantly wider wheels to be mounted.

This completely restored 1989 560 SEC was inspired by the pre-merger “wide-body” AMG S-class coupes of old. Its transformation was carried out by the specialists at Bespoke Upholstery and Restoration in Costa Mesa, California. An accompanying photo album documents the process, showing that the car was completely stripped to bare metal. Carbon fiber “wide-body” AMG-style fenders were then fitted, after which it was repainted in its factory-correct shade of Blauschwarz. It is also equipped with an electric sunroof, HID headlights, fog lamps, and color-matched body trim throughout. Although the bodywork is reminiscent of an early AMG, it is subtly wider than the original, giving it an even more menacing appearance on the road.

Meanwhile, the suspension was entirely rebuilt using OEM parts, notwithstanding the pair of custom coilovers fitted at each wheel. The braking system was similarly uprated with an aftermarket “big brake” kit complete with braided steel lines, slotted rotors, and large calipers. The car’s impressive stance is completed by a staggered, color-matched set of AMG “Style 2” wheels wrapped in Sumitomo HTR tires.

The 5.5-liter V-8 engine was treated to a complete rebuild and paired to a custom stainless steel sports exhaust system which terminates in twin AMG-style polished tips. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission and standard 2.47 rear differential.

Upon opening the SEC’s lengthy doors, the attention to detail which went into this AMG inspired “Wide-Body” custom becomes all the more apparent. Within the pillarless cabin sits an exquisite pair of period-correct Recaro Classic seats (with power, memory, and heating) trimmed to match the factory-correct Medium Red leather upholstery. Custom polychrome “zebra”-patterned wood trim has been fitted throughout, extending to the center console, door cards, and AMG-Momo M38 steering wheel. The door sills and gauge cluster have been furnished with period-style AMG logos. Perhaps the car’s best interior attribute is its upgraded Alpine touchscreen display and Bluetooth stereo, which is linked to a trunk-mounted Mosconi digital sound processor and two six-channel Focal amplifiers. The display system is also paired to a backup camera mounted within the rear deck.

The current owner of this SEC has enjoyed the car for several thousand enjoyable miles, proving the excellent build quality and usability of the car. The next owner of this stunning Wide-Body custom is sure to benefit from all the extravagant styling without any worry of sourcing, or servicing, impossibly rare pre-merger AMG powertrain components.