Modified 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC - Wide Body Tribute

[48hp]

spotted this nice Wide Body tribute:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/198 ... 560sec-30/

The exterior was fitted with carbon fiber AMG-style bumper covers, side skirts, and widened fenders prior to a repaint in Blauschwarz Metallic (199). Additional features include an electric sunroof, HID headlights with wipers, fog lamps, and paint-matched trim.

a lot of labor went into this one and it shows. you can eat off the underbody.

anyone know how the WB molds were made?

[48hp]

The seller posted a photo of the "carbon fiber" fender. At first glance, it appears to be a fiberglass fender with a single layer of carbon fiber laid over the top.

[Rick_AMG_Freak]

Guys, about this car was quite loud half a year ago..

[48hp]

Yes it was and now its back on the market.

It will be interesting to see if it recaptures that exciting moment in time and $.

Also, I'm interested in more details about the build itself. Any insight?

[Macgod]

There was a thread on BW, Faiz knows the builder Arber and has been to his shop Bespoke in Costa Mesa. Basically it's a very custom build, with carbon fiber parts, with panels made wider and even the OZ wheels are reproductions. What amazed all of us, is that it supposedly sold for $230,000 originally without any engine mods. They could have at least changed the coolant reservoir for that price and now buyer is selling to get another one made with a better engine installed. Build seems to be high quality, though choice of colors and wood are not the best, imho.

[48hp]

The time spent on that car is evident, no doubt. I'll keep saying it but he undercarriage is super tasty.

What isn't clear is the kit used, how it was produced or modified. Looks just like any Japanese Import WB or Duraflex kit.

Also, are you saying the entire wheel is a reproduction? I thought the builder claimed he just swapped the inner barrel and outer lip. Would be good to know reproduction replacement centers were now available.

As for the price...the pre-merger market as a whole is absolutely ludicrous. I'm happy to see our enthusiasm has help with the global recognition of the C126 but.... Great for the collectors.

One of the initial inspiration for my tribute WB build was to feel comfortable driving it as genuine examples were already pricey back then. ($35k, lol) but a tribute, that clean and at that price, I wouldn't feel comfortable driving that either.

But, if you got $, drive it like you stole it and build another if you crash it!

[48hp]

Based on the late model Wide Body Kit, typically found on Japanese imports:

[48hp]

The AMG Wide Body this kit is based on.

[Peter72]

SOLD FOR $245,000 ON 9/24/20

[48hp]

maybe its time to dig out the spare wide body kit...

[vdubpower]

hey guys... ive seen these upclose...they are quite impressive
ill post some pics of some of their workings
Henriq is there a way to just drag in pics to these threads?

[vdubpower]

see these

[48hp]

This photo suggests it's not solid carbon fiber but carbon fiber wrapped over fiberglass or similar composite. This probably adds some good strength I'm sure..

[48hp]

https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az22 ... rs/1191730

[48hp]

or this: https://thembmarket.com/1989-mercedes-b ... dy-tribute

[48hp]

This goes on the block, again, on the 27th.

https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az22 ... rs/1191730

ARIZONA | LOT 178

1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC Custom ‘Wide-Body’ by Bespoke Motors
$225,000 - $275,000 USD
€195,000 - €240,000 EUR
£165,000 - £200,000 GBP
United States | Phoenix, Arizona
27 January 2022
Chassis No.
WDBCA45E2KA451786
Documents
US Title
VIEW ADDITIONAL FILES
An astounding, fully restored SEC in the style of a pre-merger AMG Wide-Body
Finished in its factory-correct Blauschwarz over Medium Red leather
Powered by a 5.5-liter V-8 engine and four-speed automatic transmission
Uniquely fitted with carbon fiber body panels, coilover suspension, enlarged brakes, upgraded stereo, and stainless steel sports exhaust system
Built by Bespoke Motors in Costa Mesa, California
Mercedes-Benz unveiled the SEC series in 1979, with pillarless styling executed by Bruno Sacco and ever-expected Teutonic build quality assuring confident road feel at all speeds. Though a remarkable vehicle which sold very well for Mercedes-Benz, the SEC’s enthusiast-driven legacy is owed in large part to AMG. On the SEC platform, AMG offered engine modifications with displacements of 5.0, 5.4, 5.6, and 6.0 liters. Externally, these cars were fitted with distinctive styling options including a full set of widened body fenders, which allowed significantly wider wheels to be mounted.

This completely restored 1989 560 SEC was inspired by the pre-merger “wide-body” AMG S-class coupes of old. Its transformation was carried out by the specialists at Bespoke Upholstery and Restoration in Costa Mesa, California. An accompanying photo album documents the process, showing that the car was completely stripped to bare metal. Carbon fiber “wide-body” AMG-style fenders were then fitted, after which it was repainted in its factory-correct shade of Blauschwarz. It is also equipped with an electric sunroof, HID headlights, fog lamps, and color-matched body trim throughout. Although the bodywork is reminiscent of an early AMG, it is subtly wider than the original, giving it an even more menacing appearance on the road.

Meanwhile, the suspension was entirely rebuilt using OEM parts, notwithstanding the pair of custom coilovers fitted at each wheel. The braking system was similarly uprated with an aftermarket “big brake” kit complete with braided steel lines, slotted rotors, and large calipers. The car’s impressive stance is completed by a staggered, color-matched set of AMG “Style 2” wheels wrapped in Sumitomo HTR tires.

The 5.5-liter V-8 engine was treated to a complete rebuild and paired to a custom stainless steel sports exhaust system which terminates in twin AMG-style polished tips. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission and standard 2.47 rear differential.

Upon opening the SEC’s lengthy doors, the attention to detail which went into this AMG inspired “Wide-Body” custom becomes all the more apparent. Within the pillarless cabin sits an exquisite pair of period-correct Recaro Classic seats (with power, memory, and heating) trimmed to match the factory-correct Medium Red leather upholstery. Custom polychrome “zebra”-patterned wood trim has been fitted throughout, extending to the center console, door cards, and AMG-Momo M38 steering wheel. The door sills and gauge cluster have been furnished with period-style AMG logos. Perhaps the car’s best interior attribute is its upgraded Alpine touchscreen display and Bluetooth stereo, which is linked to a trunk-mounted Mosconi digital sound processor and two six-channel Focal amplifiers. The display system is also paired to a backup camera mounted within the rear deck.

The current owner of this SEC has enjoyed the car for several thousand enjoyable miles, proving the excellent build quality and usability of the car. The next owner of this stunning Wide-Body custom is sure to benefit from all the extravagant styling without any worry of sourcing, or servicing, impossibly rare pre-merger AMG powertrain components.

[HOFF]

Interesting the owner did not hang on to it very long before turning around and selling it?
I was sure they only detailed and dressed the engine up and did not remove the heads and rebuid them or the bottom end
Perhaps he got a bit tired of the blinged out Zebra trim which i felt personally spoilt the project - A much wiser choice and it could have been so much better and all class instead of the "ricer" look. If not burlwood then something like Birdseye Maple or piano black would have been stunning against that leather trim

[48hp]

Interesting the owner did not hang on to it very long before turning around and selling it?
I was sure they only detailed and dressed the engine up and did not remove the heads and rebuid them or the bottom end
Perhaps he got a bit tired of the blinged out Zebra trim which i felt personally spoilt the project - A much wiser choice and it could have been so much better and all class instead of the "ricer" look. If not burlwood then something like Birdseye Maple or piano black would have been stunning against that leather trim

Quick turnover for sure. The trim finish is a personal choice...

Attention to detail is well above average and $200-300k will get you a 1500-2000 shop hours. Plenty of time to make things nice.

A sticking point on this one is the carbon fiber WB panel claim. The original seller suggests the WB panels were produced from 3d scans and are carbon fiber through and through. The photos above suggest otherwise.

End of the day, it's a stock 560sec with a body kit, some personal choice custom mods and lots of love put into it. Is worth a quarter of million dollars?

[vdubpower]

yep third sale in same number of yrs... it will probably allegedly sell for the same or close

[svhamelly]

No sale!
Not sure where the bidding ended, but RM shows it as still available on their website.

[vdubpower]

180000

[AMG5PT4]

I think $180k is a very fair # for a (nicely done) clone tribute with no engine mods. Should have sold. It's also damaged goods to a degree with 3 FS postings in about 2 years

[Rick_AMG_Freak]

So someone lost cash on AMG SEC? Loool...