In the 1980s and early 1990s, AMG was known as an independent powerhouse of automotive engineering, focusing on high-performance, heavyweight luxury cars built for sheer force. These weren’t nimble sports cars but large, hand-built V-8 machines designed to dominate the road with immense power and luxury. Among AMG’s creations, the “Hammer” epitomized this vision: a luxury car that packed a serious punch. Today, a 1990 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC restomod echoes this legacy, offering a powerful throwback to AMG’s glory days with a blend of vintage luxury and modern performance upgrades.
Now listed on Bring A Trailer, this 560SEC widebody coupe is equipped with a 6.2-liter AMG V-8 engine and a six-speed manual transmission. The car’s design and retrofitted performance evoke the 1980s’ bold automotive aesthetics, reminiscent of Miami Vice style and excess. With its broad, aggressive stance and muscular design, this vehicle embodies the look and feel of a classic AMG built for both luxury and speed, likely able to hold its own even against other era-defining cars like the Ferrari Testarossa.
The 560SEC itself is an iconic Mercedes model, originally introduced in the U.S. with a smaller engine in 1981 and later gaining more power to reflect the era’s appetite for luxury. AMG’s version of the SEC, with a hand-built V-8 and widebody design, became the car of choice for Wall Street elites and other high-rollers seeking a commanding presence on the road. AMG’s custom version was a different breed compared to precision-focused sports cars; it prioritized raw power, making it an ideal status symbol for the affluent.
This particular model was overhauled by Bespoke Orange County, a restoration specialist renowned for creating custom carbon-fiber components for Mercedes models. They spent three years crafting this widebody 560SEC with carbon-fiber body panels, upgraded suspension and braking systems, and a plush handcrafted leather interior with Recaro seats. With 17-inch alloy wheels and a high-performance stereo system, the car embodies both modern upgrades and a vintage luxury look, capturing the attention of any onlooker.
Underneath, this 560SEC is fitted with an M156 V-8 engine from a newer AMG model, such as the 2006–2011 CL63, enhancing its performance and giving it a lineage that connects it to AMG’s contemporary powertrain technologies. Unlike modern AMGs, which may feature smaller engines or hybrid systems, this car sticks to AMG’s classic formula of a powerful V-8 in a luxurious coupe body. As a rare restomod, it brings together nostalgia and performance, making it a testament to the enduring appeal of AMG’s original vision. The auction for this unique vehicle concludes on November 4.
