To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' London event, 24 October
2019.
Estimate:
£140,000 - £175,000
- Offered from the Youngtimer Collection
- Colour combination of Sinister Blauschwarz Metallic paint over
black leather
- Most desirable tuner upgrade available for Mercedes-Benz in the
period
Before the AMG merger with Mercedes-Benz that tentatively began
with the C36 AMG in 1993, AMG existed as an independent tuning
house, founded in 1967 and primarily offering a range of unofficial
upgrade and accessories packages for Mercedes-Benz automobiles.
Typical AMG enhancements included displacement increases,
high-performance engine top-end rebuilds, lightened valve trains
and more aggressive cams, alongside bodykits, wheels, interior
upgrades, and aerodynamic components.
In 1989 the jewel in the collection of AMG offerings was the engine
conversion for the W126 560 SEC and SEL. It consisted of taking the
stock 5.5-litre M117 unit and boring it out to 6.0 litres before
equipping it with bespoke four-valve, dual-overhead-camshaft,
three-piece, sand-cast cylinder heads. The final product was
capable of close to 400 bhp and twice the torque at half the engine
speed of the original 5.6-litre Mercedes engine. AMG also offered
other enhancements for the W126, and if one ticked every box, the
result would be similar to this particular 560 SEC AMG.
Built for the 1991 model year, this example retains its factory
specification of Blauschwarz Metallic with black leather interior.
It is believed to have been delivered originally to Japan,
whereupon AMG carried out a comprehensive upgrade to bring it to
full 'AMG 6.0 Widebody' specification. This includes all the
aforementioned engine upgrades alongside the distinctive
AMG-designed doors, front and rear bumpers, and wider wings that
accommodated far wider two-piece wheels clad in high-performance
tyres. Inside, the enhancements include electronically adjustable
sports seats, an upgraded instrument cluster, extended walnut
trims, and AMG steering wheel and over-mats. Its condition suggests
a lifetime of care and diligent attention, and it is a testament to
its previous owners. Purchased by a previous owner in Ontario,
Canada, out of Japan, the car was acquired by the consignor and
exported to Switzerland in 2017.
It is believed that barely fifty of these AMG-tuned 560 W126s
exist; they are extremely sought-after cars. This wonderfully
menacing example would be a fantastic addition to any collection,
especially one focused on modern classics or pre-merger AMGs.To
view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf19.