The ultimate SEC?
6.0 liter 32v stormer
If you wanted something distinctly unique by way of a new 560SEC in 1990, the option list at the local US MB dealer wasn’t particularly inspiring. There were orthopedic seats, back window sunshade or maybe an oddball color. Fairly pedestrian stuff.
However, if you were hip to the the tuner scene in Europe the alternatives were extensive. Lorinser, Brabus and AMG all offered cosmetic and technical upgrades. If you had to have the best, Hans Werner Aufrecht and partner Erhard Melchere at AMG were the guys to contact.
In the US, it was largely about creating an aggressive ‘boy racer’ look and AMG’s monochromatic SLs, SELs and SECs fitted with spoilers, rocker extensions, Recaro seats and so on were exotic sights here. Technical upgrades were less common in the US – emissions requirements were the roadblock – and generally confined to short springs and low restriction rear exhaust.
“This exotic SEC is right at home sitting among Symbolic’s million dollar offerings.”
Coachwork bulges, rocker extensions and tail spoiler often indicated a poser behind the wheel of a standard 250 HP SEC. Not so with this fully engineered 6.0 liter from AMG. 400+ HP was likely under foot.
Period road tests claimed these 32v SECs would outrun a contemporary Lamborghini Countach from 60 mph to 120 mph.
Orient Express
A Japanese MB nut had no such restrictions to deal with and AMG acquiesced with the outrageous, cost no object hot rod SEC pictured here. Aptly referred to as the AMG 560SEC 6.0 Wide-Body, this storming SEC was no mere cosmetic poser.
Aufrecht and Melchere’s racing background permeates this car’s DNA. The standard 250 HP 5.6 liter SOHC 16v V8 was entirely re-engineered and fitted with AMG’s proprietary 32v cylinder heads and enlarged to a full 6.0 liters.
Add to the mix the all steel contoured wide body coachwork, short springs, AMG’s trademark Penta alloys supporting some aggressive rubber and our Eastern fellow MB enthusiasts likely enjoyed an SEC that could touch 175 mph.
This particular example is one of 6 such 1990 SEC’s created for a group of Japanese museums and private owners. Each example began as a brand new SEC and required well over 12 months to construct. And about $200,000 to acquire…
The real deal: Wide cam covers tell us this is a true 4-cam 6.0 liter SEC fully engineered by AMG. Such comprehensive engineering projects earned AMG massive respect within Mercedes-Benz corporate and eventually the exalted position it enjoys today: a distinct performance brand within Mercedes-Benz.
Far East to out West
If you’d like to acquire this extraordinary piece of AMG history, please contact Bill Noon at Symbolic International in La Jolla California. Bill has been representing the finest collectible automobiles for almost 3 decades and has a vast knowledge of all things extraordinary in the would or unique motorcars.
This exotic SEC is right at home sitting among Symbolic’s million dollar offerings. And if you’re after a 1953 Ferrari 375 Mille Miglia Berlinetta, Bill can quite likely assist there as well.
Students of AMG products from the ’80s will recognize the unique steering wheel and white faced instruments. The VIN leaves no doubt about this SEC’s capabilities: 6 liters, 4 cams and 32 valves.
Side skirts, body colored Penta alloys and bespoke gauges were hallmarks of AMGs’ products in the ’80s.
roy spencer/editor mercedesheritage
photography/symbolic motorcars