A rare Mercedes-Benz 560SEC modified by AMG has recently appeared for sale, offering a snapshot of a distinctive chapter in Mercedes tuning history.
This 1991 model, known as the “Marakaito Missile,” is now available through Bring a Trailer and has caught the eye of collectors around the globe.
The coupe, painted in Malachite Green Metallic, belongs to the C126 generation and features a widebody conversion, which is said to have been done by AMG Japan.
It includes prominently flared arches, redesigned bumpers, and subtle aerodynamic enhancements. With fewer than 50 widebody SECs thought to have been made, this car is quite an uncommon find.
It rides on period-correct 17-inch AMG Aero III multi-piece wheels by OZ Racing and is equipped with Bilstein-AMG suspension, maintaining a stance that clearly speaks to the 1980s tuner scene.
Under the hood, there’s an AMG-tuned 6.0-litre M117/9 V8 engine fitted with cylinder heads derived from the Mercedes-Benz M119 DOHC design, along with a custom AMG exhaust system.
Initially, the engine produced about 375 horsepower, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential.
Recent upkeep by the current owner has included rebuilding the brake calipers, installing new engine mounts, and replacing the torque converter.
New Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires were also fitted late in 2024.
Inside, the cabin offers a different kind of artistry.
The Belgian company Carat Duchatelet redesigned the interior using black and green buffalo leather that covers heated, power-adjustable Recaro seats and extends across the dashboard.
Green highlights appear throughout the instrument cluster, where hand-crafted dials sit alongside a speedometer reading up to 320 km/h and a tachometer that goes up to 7,000 rpm.
Classic touches include burl wood trim, a Nakamichi CD stereo, and period-specific comforts like a power rear blind and climate control.
Having covered just 74,000 kilometres, this car shows limited use and is notably well preserved for its age and type.
It is currently listed through a dealer in Berkeley, California, accompanied by original manufacturer literature, a clean Carfax report, and a Montana title.
For enthusiasts in the UK, vehicles like this recall an earlier era in AMG’s history—before it became fully integrated with Mercedes-Benz.
At a time when performance divisions tend to follow more standardized paths, this widebody SEC serves as a reminder of a period when tuning was more daring, personal, and unapologetically extravagant.
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