1991 Mercedes-Benz AMG 6.0 Widebody

Mercedes-AMG GmbH, commonly known as AMG (Aufrecht, Melcher, Großaspach), began its existence as an independent engineering firm specializing in performance improvements for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. In 1999, DaimlerChrysler AG acquired a controlling interest in the company and then became its sole owner in 2005. It is currently a wholly owned high-performance subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG. Headquartered in Affalterbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, the company independently hires engineers and contracts with manufacturers to customize Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicles. They have been responsible for many memorable upgrades to the Mercedes-Benz line, improving performance and stability and often adding a more aggressive and sporty appearance.

Before being brought under the Mercedes-Benz umbrella, AMG offered a dizzying array of performance products and upgrades for its enthusiast clientele. After the acquisition, Mercedes' Board of Directors imposed a more curated set of upgrades that were, perhaps, more manageable.

The most powerful W124 Mercedes Coupe in 1991 was the inline-six 300 CE-24 producing 217 hp in ECE form. Using this as a starting point, AMG engineers would make drastic alterations, removing the six-cylinder unit and replacing it with a 32-valve, four-cam, 5.0-liter M119 V8 from the recently launched R129 500 SL. To shoehorn the engine into the bay, the frame rails were repositioned, and the firewall was reinforced. Displacing 6.0 liters - double the size of the original inline six - output rose to 375 horsepower. To cope with the increase in power, the rear suspension was reengineered to reduce squatting and chassis flex. A Torsen limited-slip differential was installed, and wider three-piece OZ AMG Aero III 17-inch wheels were housed under flared fenders. The widebody kit mirrored the vehicle's sporty aspirations, offering a look to match the performance.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2023