Of all Benzes that we have to choose from over the years to make the perfect garage, the 560SEC AMG Widebody is always in the conversation. It's hard to believe that less than a decade ago these cars were selling for well under the $100k threshold. These pre merger AMG cars only appreciate more and more as time passes making them excellent investment pieces. This particular car is the perfect example.
This 1989 560SEC 6.0 AMG Widebody is now poised to hit the auction block with RM Sothyby's on January 22, 2021 in Arizona which is the same exact place the car was last sold almost 4 years ago to the day. In January of 2016, this car sold with RM Sotheby's for a grand total of $154,000. At the time, this was nearing the top-end of current values for the w126 widebody cars. If only we had known... here we are almost 4 years later and the values have nearly doubled. For reference, we inspected another 6.0 Widebody back in March of this year which sold at the Amelia Island RM Sotheby's action for a staggering $350,000. We expect this car to bring a heavy number and huge return to it's current owner.
Amazingly, the car has barely moved since being acquired in 2016. The mileage shown back then was 90,222 kms and the car is now offered with 90,400 kms... that's roughly 110 miles for those doing the math. In comparing the photos from 2016 to current, the car appears to be in the same shape with the only change being a different set of floor mats.
The car is said to be painted Pearl Grey Metallic over Anthracite Leather. With all chrome bits painted, the car has a very sleek look which is a nice contrast to the black typically seen. With the widebody conversion, the look of this big body coupe changes completely. The front fenders and body kit are reportedly stamped and all modifications done in-period by AMG Japan. On the interior, the addition of a Momo M38 steering wheel and additional burl wood accents add to the already stately interior.
The engine is the real deal. The original M117 has been bored to 6.0 liters (32 valve) and is rated at 385 horsepower. Remarkably, all of the engine modifications work together to provide double the torque at half the engine speed in comparison to the stock 560SEC engine. Other modifications include a stainless steel exhaust which ends with period correct tips, AMG suspension, AMG four-piston front brake calipers, and LSD.
Pre merger AMG's are destined to not only maintain value, but appreciate in value with time. Clean authentic examples are very difficult to find of any chassis and due to the a la carte nature of AMG prior to the merger, these cars can come built in many different configurations. Many were only tuned for performance while others were only modified aesthetically. Either way, their prominence in the enthusiast world is unmistakable and with that comes a heavy price tag. We're looking forward to seeing just how far this no reserve auction will go for one of the nicest widebody examples we've ever seen.
Chassis No. WDB1260451A436448 Engine No. 117 968 12 010573 HV Gearbox No. 722 350 03 196053 Cylinder Head No. 382 60 28
