One to Buy: 5000km 1986 Mercedes-Benz W126 SEC AMG 6.0 Widebody
When it comes to the coolest cars of the 1980s, there’s not much on a par with AMG’s widebody interpretation of Mercedes’ flagship W126 SEC.
Launched initially as a four-door sedan at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1979, the two-door pillar-less W126 Coupe dubbed SEC arrived at the same event two years later. A face-lifted second series variant subsequently followed for the 1986 model year (in September 1985) by which time Mercedes offered the SEC with a choice of three single overhead cam V8 engines: the 4.2-litre 420 SEC, the 5-litre 500 SEC and the range-topping 5.6-litre 560 SEC.
However, if none of these provided sufficient scope for exclusivity and performance, wealthy customers could have their SEC dispatched to the AMG works in Affalterbach for conversion to something a little more bespoke.
AMG offered myriad enhancements for the SEC range during the W126’s production run, and we think an example of just about the perfect specification for one of these cars will be going under the hammer at Broad Arrow Auctions’ Amelia Island sale on March 8th.
Delivered to AMG on February 2nd 1986 and signed off on May 15th, chassis ‘229225’ was ordered by a German customer who specified fully colour-coded Blue Black Metallic paint with Black leather upholstery, an AMG 300kmh speedometer, an AMG steering wheel, AMG exhaust and split-rim AMG Aero 3 wheels. Perhaps most significantly, chassis ‘229225’ was also ordered with the ultra rare combination of AMG’s wide body conversion and the firm’s legendary 6-litre dual overhead cam engine, both of which were incredibly expensive upgrades at the time.
Remarkably, this sensational SEC has covered a little under 5000km and is accordingly offered in timewarp condition.
Reprinted below is Broad Aroow Auctions’ description:
Chassis No. WDB1260441A229225
Engine No. 117.968.12.022172
Cylinder Head No. 6.0 301 49
Astonishingly low, 4,943 kilometers or 3,065 miles at the time of cataloging
Powered by the sensational AMG-modified dual-overhead-cam, 6.0-liter V8 as documented by its AMG Classic Conversion Certification
Inspected, physically verified, and researched in the Affalterbach archives by AMG
Classic and MKB Manufaktur for the AMG Classic Conversion Certificate
Genuine AMG widebody finished in archetypal Blue-Black Metallic over a Black leather interior with AMG enhancements
Best in Class at the 2024 Greenwich Concours de Sport
Benefits from long-term, single ownership from 2004 until 2021
Before AMG's official merger with Mercedes-Benz in the early 1990s, the company was already well-established as an independent tuning firm, renowned for crafting some of the most outrageous and high-performance road cars of its time.
Founded in 1967 by former Mercedes engineers Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, AMG (Aufrecht, Melcher, and Grossaspach, the latter being Aufrecht's hometown) quickly gained a reputation for modifying Mercedes-Benz vehicles, specializing in engine enhancements, bodywork, and performance upgrades.
In the 1970s and 1980s, AMG offered bespoke modifications that ranged from simple engine tweaks to full-on performance and aesthetic overhauls. Their early focus was modifying Mercedes-Benz's existing lineup, creating powerful, customized versions of its model range. Known for making faster, more aggressive, and more luxurious Mercedes, AMG defined the Mercedes tuning scene with larger engines, custom bodywork, and high-performance parts.
The most famous of these upgrades is based on Mercedes' legendary "M117" V8. Based on the 5.5-liter variant, internally coded "117.968," both the bore and stroke were increased to bring the overall displacement up to 6.0-liter. Once completed, new dual-overhead-cam cylinder heads could be specified for even more performance. The bespoke build with aluminum cylinder heads featured dual-overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder that combined to boost power to an impressive 385 horsepower.
This car is a prime example of AMG's role in creating the ultimate German poster car of the 1980s. The two-door coupe began life as a well-optioned 500 SECs, yet it was destined for greater things as an extremely rare and sought-after AMG.
The car left the Unterturkheim factory on 2 February 1986 and likely was taken directly to AMG for the conversion, which is noted as being completed on 15 May on the AMG Classic Conversion Certification.
Virtually every aspect of this remarkable car received enhancements.
Naturally, the V8 was built to the ultimate dual-overhead-cam 6.0-liter specification with its 385 horsepower engine. Seeking more than explosive power, the car was additionally optioned the full widebody kit, an AMG 300 kph speedometer, an AMG steering wheel, an AMG exhaust system, and three-piece AMG “Aero III” wheels.
This was in addition to the factory automatic climate control, heated front seats, and rarely seen trip computer.
Once AMG completed their work, the car was first registered for road use in Germany one month later, on 16 July. Staying in Germany for only a short period, the car was relocated to Milan, Italy, by January 1987. Once there, it passed through two more Italian owners before a new caretaker purchased it in Germany in August 2004, where it remained with a single owner until being acquired by the current owner in 2021.
Before this acquisition, the car benefited from a detailed service with all new fluids, valve cover gaskets, and a replacement crankshaft position sensor. Most recently, the car was shown at the 2024 The Amelia Concours d'Elegance and captured a Best-in-Class Award at the Greenwich Concours de Sport.
Today this AMG remains in extraordinary condition with just 4,943 kilometers or the equivalent of 3,065 miles at the time of cataloging, likely leaving this rare AMG as one of the lowest mileage examples extant. An impressively original example, the car benefits from a few select modern improvements, such as vented rotors with Brembo four-piston calipers and H&R lowering springs.
AMG's ethos was simple: If a client had the wherewithal, the ultimate sporting Mercedes could be created. This 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC AMG dual-overhead-cam 6.0 “Widebody” is a perfect example of this aggressive, no-compromise approach.
As a flagship creation, this AMG features the full slate of performance and cosmetic upgrades culminating in a powerful SEC coupled with a muscular, aggressive stance. While AMG may not have been looking to rewrite history, their bespoke cars and the legend that they created came to define an era dominated by German performance icons.
