1990 Mercedes-Benz 560 Series

The Mercedes Benz Series W126 flagship vehicles were introduced in September of 1979 and the successor to the earlier W116 range. They were the second generation to officially bear the S-Class name referring to Sonderklasse or 'special class'. Power was initially sourced from a straight-6, V8 and turbo diesel engines for the saloon cars. In September of 1981, a two-door Coupe version was introduced. The W126 was more fuel efficient, powerful, capacious, and aerodynamic than its predecessor. It wore a new Mercedes-Benz design that was subsequently incorporated on other vehicles in the company's lineup.

Mercedes-Benz introduced numerous safety innovations on the W126 line including the first airbag supplemental restraint systems, seatbelt pre-tensioners and traction control system.
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560 series
The 1990 Mercedes 560 Series consisted of the 560SEL sedan priced at $73,800 and the 560SEC 2-door coupe for $81,500. Power was from an overhead-cam eight-cylinder engine with 238 horsepower and 287 lbs-ft of torque. It had a four-speed automatic transmission, power recirculating ball steering, disc brakes, and steel unibody construction. The wheelbase measured 121.1 inches, and the 560SEC had a length of 199.2-inches while the 560SEL measured 208.1 inches. Changes for the 1990 year were minimal with the most significant change being the additional of a fuel-injection system.

AMG
AMG was founded in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher. The name 'AMG' represented Aufrecht, Melcher, and Grossaspach, Herr Aufrecht's hometown. It was an engine modification and performance accessory firm for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, finding fame with the 'Rote Sau' in 1969, a modified racing version of the 300 SEL 6.3. The engine was bored out to 6.8 liter, helping carry it to a second place finish at the 1971 24 Hours of Spa.

By the late 1980s, AMG had established a reputation for high performance automobiles and remained an independent customizer focused on enhancing the Mercedes-Benz cars. By 1990, Mercedes-Benz and AMG joined forces allowing the tuned cars to be made available in the automaker's showroom.

AMG's formula of additional horsepower and performance was applied to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class coupe, the 560 SEC. The improvements included the 'widebody' fenders to house larger wheels, a reworked interior, unique paint options, and a thoroughly revised engine. The stock engine displacement of 5.6 liters was enlarged to 6.0, resulting in twice the torque at half the engine speed, due in-part to AMG's bespoke, double-overhead-cam head with four valves per cylinder. In comparison, the stock unit used a single cam and two-valve configuration. A stock version was listed at just over $80,000 which made it among the most expensive vehicle on the road. The AMG upgrades brought the price to $200,000 in 1990, certainly guarantying its exclusivity. Despite the astronomical price, the demand was high for these coupe and it is believed that fewer than 50 examples were completed before production ceased.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2020