One to Buy: Kim Il Sung / North Korean Worker's Party commission 1990 Mercedes-Benz W126 560 SEC AMG
As a consequence of their era defining looks and highly individual nature, the products that emerged from AMG’s Affalterbach workshop during the 1970s and 80s have now acquired legendary status.
However, while most of the myriad firms that sprang up during the super tuner era have since faded into obscurity, the quality of AMG’s engineering led it becoming an official Mercedes-Benz partner.
Having begun to forge ever closer ties with the three-pointed star, for 1989 AMG became an official Mercedes representative in the DTM (the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft).
The following year, Mercedes signed a contract that saw them begin to cooperate with AMG on the development of high performance models. Included was an agreement that also enabled AMG vehicles to be sold and maintained through Mercedes’ worldwide dealer network.
Currently on offer at L’Art de l’Automobile’s showroom in Paris is one of the most interesting AMG Merceds-Benz we have had the pleasure of featuring.
This particular car was delivered new to North Korea in 1990, no doubt for a high ranking member of Supreme Leader and founder of the country Kim Il Sung’s entourage.
Configured in sensational Dunkelblau with body coloured badges, grilles and window frames, the car was further optioned with a complete AMG body kit, split-rim AMG III wheels with body coloured centres, a Proweld exhaust and de-restricted engine.
Inside, the commission from North Korea included dark blue upholstery with extended burr walnut trim, a diamond Rolex clock, a television system, an AMG steering wheel, air-conditioning, an electric sunroof and heated seats.
We cover many cars that have led an interesting life here at Supercar Nostalgia, but the stories this spectacular AMG would surely tell rank right up there with the best.
Reprinted below is L’Art de l’Automobile’s description:
INFORMATION
Superb condition
Fascinating history
Exceptional configuration
Extreme customization
Special order with AMG body kit
OPTIONS
Television system
Diamond Rolex clock
Fire extinguisher
AMG front bumper
AMG side skirts
AMG rear spoiler
AMG rear diffuser
AMG Aero III wheels with painted centers
AMG 4-spoke steering wheel
Painted badges
Painted front grille
Painted window surrounds
Proweld exhaust
Electric sunroof
Heated front seats
Maximum speed raised
Speedometer graduated up to 300km/h
Rev counter bottom in burr walnut wood
Automatic air conditioning
The Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC, introduced in 1985, embodies the pinnacle of luxury and performance in the grand touring coupe segment of the 1980s. Celebrated for its timeless design, power and refinement, this premium car and sophisticated attracted a demanding clientele looking for a perfect relationship between comfort and performance. But for some customers, it still wasn't enough!
This is where AMG comes into play. Until 1993, Mercedes-Benz and AMG were separated. Before that, the two companies cooperated closely, so much so that AMG cars were delivered with all the company's warranties through Mercedes-Benz dealerships, but these vehicles remained very rare due to their extravagant new price. The 5.5L V8 of the 560 SEC produces 279 horsepower with catalytic converter. The car we are offering for sale has a new Proweld stainless steel exhaust system and is decatalyzed.
Ordered with an AMG body kit and personalized to the limit, the story of this 560 SEC stands out from the crowd. Indeed, this car was delivered new to North Korea, probably for someone close to the regime.
The car then continued its life in Ontario, Canada before arriving on European soil. Among the 74,060 SEC coupés produced, this example is undoubtedly one of the most original and fascinating.
We do not have the original service book, however a major service was carried out in February 2023 by Normandie Classic Autos at 49,548 km, and the discs/pads were replaced on the same occasion. Today, this car has just 50,000km on it.
This car is in very good aesthetic and mechanical condition, and has just come from detailing. The all-blue configuration of this 560 SEC is incredible: even the window contours, the front grille and the badges are painted in the sublime Dunkelblau exterior color.
Inside, the Rolex clock with the diamonds was probably made to special order during the preparation of the car, at the same time as the television system (a common practice in the 1980s). This is a purely aesthetic preparation, namely that the ruling family has always been fans of Rolex and Mercedes. The counter has not been dismantled to check if the diamonds are real, the movement is not original Rolex. The burr walnut woodwork enhances everything. Note also that a radar detector from the period is hidden under the rear parcel shelf.
