1997 Brabus E65

In 1997, a new E420 Mercedes-Benz was acquired from Beverly Hills MB and then completely disassembled and shipped to Brabus, Germany, where its M119 engine grew to 6.5-liters. The dual overhead camshaft V8 engine had 32-valves per cylinder and its 96.5-inch bore enlarged to 101 millimeters and its stroke from 85 to 100 millimeters. Large lightweight pistons and connecting rods, reworked cylinder heads, reconfigured engine computer management system, larger intake and exhausts, and other upgrades boosted output to 450 bhp at 5,700 RPM and 488 pound-feet of torque at 3,800 RPM. The engine was backed by a standard five-speed automatic with a 2.82:1 final drive gear set. The 13-inch diameter cross-drilled front brake rotors used four-piston calipers, and the suspension decreased by approximately one inch. 18-inch Brabus Monoblock IV wheels were wrapped with Dunlop SP9000 tires.

The car received a Brabus full body kit, Brabus Mastik leather interior, and Brabus hood and trunk badging.

With a top speed of 192 mph, the Brabus E65 was the fastest sedan in existence, a title it held until it was surpassed by the W210 Brabus 7.3 V12 which had a 206 mph top speed.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2021