Before its merger with Mercedes-Benz in 2005, AMG existed as an independent tuning house. Founded in 1967 by a pair of former Mercedes-Benz engineers, AMG was primarily engaged in offering a range of performance upgrades and cosmetic accessory packages for Mercedes-Benz automobiles. Beginning in 1986, AMG also operated as the de-facto works team and engine supplier representing Mercedes-Benz in Group A and Group N competitions.

In 1989, the jewel of the AMG catalogue was the engine conversion for the W126-chassis-code S-Class 560 SEC and SEL. At a cost of $43,500, this performance package consisted of taking the stock 5.5-liter M117 V-8 engine and boring it out to 6.0 liters before equipping it with a set of proprietary, four-valve, dual-overhead-camshaft, three-piece, sand-cast cylinder heads.

In conjunction with a revised driveline supplied with freer-breathing intake and exhaust systems, the final product was capable of 385 horsepower and twice the torque at half the engine speed of the original 5.5-liter engine. When including additional modifications like uprated brakes, aerodynamics, suspension, and limitless cosmetic accoutrements, the final price of a fully-kitted 560 SEL 6.0 AMG could easily exceed $190,000.

EXTREME EXECUTIVE LIMOUSINE

This 560 SEL AMG 6.0 is a Japanese-market car commissioned and assembled by AMG-Japan when new. Finished in the subtle monochrome livery of Anthracite Grey Metallic over black leather, the well-appointed interior features rich wood trim throughout. Surely among the most luxurious and extravagant super-saloons ever offered by AMG, this extreme limousine features rear, fold-out, executive tables, pleated leather door cards, contrasting, white-faced AMG gauges, a four-spoke, leather-wrapped AMG steering wheel, and an aftermarket Sony stereo system.

The car’s correct AMG engine-number sequence indicates period modification and the signature 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 similarly testify to this coupe’s significant modifications while AMG body-kit numbers throughout show correct production information.

This wonderfully menacing example of sublime AMG engineering excess would be a fantastic addition to any collection, especially ones focused on modern classics or pre-merger AMGs. Unquestionably one of the most iconic and recognizable German cars of its era, AMG-modified examples of this vintage offered unparalleled luxury, performance, and German reliability wrapped in a visually stunning package. When introduced, these autobahn-stormers were the first four-door saloons to break the 180-mph barrier, propelled by their awesome engines. They remain as impressive today as they were more than 30 years ago.