In the late 1980s, amidst the vibrant backdrop of Affalterbach, Germany, AMG, a burgeoning force in automotive engineering, was crafting machines that redefined performance and luxury. From its humble beginnings as a 205-employee operation, this engine builder, racing team, and tuning house had already unleashed some of the most formidable and meticulously engineered vehicles onto the roads. By 1989, AMG was deeply entrenched in a high-profile motorsport partnership with Mercedes-Benz, simultaneously cultivating a global network of dealerships to meet the burgeoning demand for their bespoke road cars.
This collaboration between AMG and Sauber was instrumental in Mercedes-Benz’s strategic return to top-tier motorsport. After a period of clandestine involvement initiated in 1984, Mercedes-Benz officially announced its re-entry in 1989, reactivating its legendary Sportabteilung—the “sports department”—and the iconic “Silver Arrow” racecars, signaling a powerful resurgence in competitive racing.
However, the now-legendary partnership between Mercedes-Benz and AMG, often taken for granted by today’s automotive and motorsport aficionados, might never have materialized were it not for the groundbreaking high-performance engineering innovations pioneered by AMG co-founder, Erhard Melcher. Melcher’s pivotal 1984 creation—a dual-overhead-camshaft (DOHC) cylinder-head conversion kit for Mercedes-Benz’s M117 V-8 engine—not only cemented his personal reputation but also firmly established AMG’s products as superior, unique, and highly coveted in a market saturated with aftermarket tuning options.
The 1989 560 SEC AMG 6.0 “Wide-Body” stands as a quintessential embodiment of AMG’s most audacious and era-defining creations. The astronomical cost associated with AMG’s comprehensive 6.0-liter engine upgrade, the sophisticated DOHC conversion, and the aggressively styled wide-body aerodynamic kit, when added to the price of a brand-new, top-of-the-line S-Class coupe, unequivocally positioned this car as one of the most extravagantly priced and remarkably engineered road cars of the “Excessive Eighties.”
Presented in the striking and highly desirable color combination of Blue-Black Metallic (199U) exterior over a luxurious Anthracite leather interior, this particular 560 SEC was originally commissioned as a German-market vehicle with gray leather upholstery, completed in September 1989.
During this period, Japan emerged as the most enthusiastic market for AMG’s customized vehicles. Cars destined for Japan were typically produced through two distinct pathways. The first, exemplified by this particular vehicle, involved acquiring nearly new or brand-new German-market cars and then entrusting them to AMG in Affalterbach for comprehensive modification before being exported to Japan. The second method entailed converting Japanese-market vehicles using crate engines and parts supplied directly by AMG Germany to Yanase, the dealer group responsible for AMG Japan’s network of branches.
Based on the sequence number of its AMG engine unit (447), it is highly likely that AMG transformed this specific car to its current specification in late 1989 or early 1990, followed by immediate export to Japan. It remained in Japan until April 2016, last registered in Kobe (Osaka) as “302 47-76” with approximately 87,850 kilometers (54,587 miles) recorded at the time of its export to the United Kingdom.
Following a brief period in the UK, an Austrian collector acquired it, registering it in Bregenz as “B 8792.” In 2020, it was purchased by its previous owner and exported from Austria, showing just 88,240 kilometers (54,829 miles).
Currently, the odometer reads 89,044 km (55,329 miles). The Anthracite leather interior remains remarkably well-preserved and appealing, featuring notable upgrades such as multifunction Recaro Ideal seats and elegant burl wood trim adorning the doors, dashboard, and center console. A four-spoke, leather-wrapped, AMG-branded Momo M38 steering wheel complements an instrument cluster highlighted by AMG’s signature 300-kph speedometer, also encased in burl wood.
The exterior and mechanical components of this 560 SEC are equally authentic and correctly specified. AMG body numbers are present on the front fenders, bumpers, and side skirts, while the DOHC valve cover stampings accurately denote the engine’s 6.0-liter displacement, sequence number, and the relevant employee ID code. Further stampings on the heads, exhaust manifolds, and throttle body serve as additional evidence of this coupe’s extensive AMG modifications. Even the color-matched OZ Aero III wheels, bearing 1989 date codes, conceal uprated twin-piston front brakes and a complete “AMG by Bilstein” suspension system.
In preparation for its sale, this highly sought-after AMG has undergone routine mechanical servicing and has been fitted with a new set of high-performance Continental ExtremeContact 02 tires, ensuring it is ready for both display and spirited driving.
Undeniably one of the most iconic and recognizable German automobiles of its era, this AMG-enhanced super-coupe delivers an unparalleled combination of luxury, performance, and renowned German reliability, all wrapped in a visually arresting package. Alongside RUF’s Porsche 930-based CTR Yellowbird, the wide-body 1989 Mercedes-Benz S-class Coupe presented here stands as perhaps the most exemplary representation of Germany’s vibrant Eighties tuning culture. More exclusive than a Ferrari Testarossa, quicker than a Lamborghini Countach, and offering generous seating for four, it remains the quintessential Youngtimer collector car, embodying a unique blend of performance, luxury, and historical significance that continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.
