Chassis No. WDB1260391A504515

Engine No. 117.968.12.074559

Cylinder Head No. 451 6.0 25

Prior to merging with Mercedes-Benz, AMG was a renowned independent tuning house founded in 1967 by former Mercedes engineers Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher. Initially, AMG specialized in performance upgrades and cosmetic packages for Mercedes-Benz cars. By the mid-1980s, it also became the de facto works team and engine supplier for Mercedes-Benz in Group A and Group N motorsport.

The 560 SEL AMG 6.0, a standout in AMG's repertoire, was unveiled in 1989. This bespoke conversion, priced at over $40,000, transformed the standard 5.5-liter V8 engine of the W126 S-Class into the now-legendary 6.0-liter unit. These special engines were fitted with AMG's exclusive four-valve, dual-overhead-cam, sand-cast cylinder heads, a revamped driveline, and upgraded intake and exhaust systems. The output was a robust 385 horsepower and a substantial increase in torque at lower engine speeds. When found in the smaller, W124 chassis, they created the mystic that is The Hammer. With additional enhancements like improved brakes, suspension, and aerodynamics, a fully equipped 560 SEL AMG 6.0 could command a price tag of nearly $200,000.

As documented on its AMG Classic Conversion Certification, this Midnight Blue (904) 560 SEL left Germany on 22 September 1989, destined for the Japanese market. Prior to leaving for Japan, the car was taken to AMG in Affalterbach. Once in AMG's hands, the car was upgraded with the legendary dual-overhead-cam 6.0-liter "M117" V8 and a complete exhaust system. In concert with the engine upgrade, additional upgrades from AMG include a tuned suspension, white-faced instruments with a 300 kph speedometer, trunk lid spoiler, rear picnic tables, and 16 inch "Aero I" wheels, with the work completed on 19 December 1989. The car was exported to Japan, where it remained until it returned to Europe in 2021, where it was acquired by the current owner. While still in Germany, the car was issued its AMG Classic Conversion Certification by AMG Classic in Affalterbach and then imported to the United States.

Once in the U.S., the car received a comprehensive service from the current owner's in-house mechanic and was later displayed at the 2024 The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Cars and Caffeine. The Japanese Export Certificate confirms the car's mileage at the time of cataloging to be just under 100,000 original kilometers or 62,000 miles. Today, this 1990 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL AMG with the legendary dual-overhead-cam 6.0 remains a highly original example, complete with numerous period modifications performed by AMG that showcase the captivating essence found in these pre-merger examples.