好みの自動車デザイン：第49回ーー2ドア・クーペの系譜： 第29回【ドイツ車編②】 メルセデス・ベンツ 560SEC AMG 6.0 ワイドボディー、1989『ドイツ的美の極致』MB 560SEC 6.0 AMG Wide Body、1989（Silver）『The Ultimate German Beauty』

(Miniature car used for photography: Rhino Model, 1/64 die-cast ready-to-display model, Mercedes-Benz 560SEC 6.0 AMG [Silver] ——> Modifications: Removed tires and wheels; optimized axle position and track width)

Favorite Car Designs: Part 49—The Lineage of 2-Door Coupes: Part 29 [German Cars, Part 2] Mercedes-Benz 560SEC AMG 6.0 Wide Body, 1989 (Black) “The Pinnacle of German Aesthetics” MB 560SEC 6.0 AMG Wide Body, 1989 “The Ultimate German Beauty”

#Favorite Car Designs—The Lineage of 2-Door Coupes:

For this 49th installment, titled “The Lineage of 2-Door Coupes, Part 29,” I’d like to discuss luxury 2-door (GT) coupes and roadsters, which strongly reflect the national character and unique exterior design styles of various countries. [Note: Includes convertibles]

We’ll proceed as follows.

In this 29th installment, we’ll finally move on to

[German Cars Part 2] Episode 002,

featuring the

MB 560SEC AMG 6.0 Wide Body, released in 1989 (Black).

[The Lineage of 2-Door Coupes: Table of Contents]

[American Cars]

Episode 1: Cadillac El Mirage, 2013 (Metallic Red)

Episode 2: Lincoln Continental MK4, 1972 (Black)

Part 3: Mercury Cougar, 1967 (LT Metallic Green)

[German Cars]

Part 4: MB 500K Special Roadster, 1936 (Black)

Part 5: MB 300SL Roadster, 1957 (Silver)

Part 6: MB SLS AMR Gullwing, 2010 (Black)

[British Cars]

Part 7: McLaren F1, 1992 (Metallic Orange)

Part 8: Jaguar XKSS Roadster, 1957 (Royal Blue)

Part 9: Jaguar XKR Coupe, 1996 (Dark Metallic Green)

[Japanese Cars / Nissan Edition]

Episode 10: Nissan First-Generation Silvia, 1965 (Champagne Gold)

Episode 11: Nissan Fifth-Generation Silvia, 1988 (LT Metallic Green)

[Italian Cars Edition]

Episode 12: Ferrari 250TR Pontoon Fender, 1958 (Red)

Episode 13: Ferrari 250 GTO, 1962 (Italian Red)

Episode 14: Lamborghini Concept S, 2005 (Pearl White)

[Japanese Cars: Mazda Edition]

Episode 15: Mazda Cosmo Sport, 1968 (Racing White)

Episode 16: Mazda Eunos Cosmo, Type-S (2-ton: Black & Gray)

[French Cars]

Episode 17: Bugatti Type 59, 1935 (French Blue)

Episode 18: Citroën SM, 1970 (Champagne Gold)

Episode 19: Bugatti La Voiture Noire, 2019 (Black)

[Japanese Cars: Toyota Edition]

Episode 20: Toyota/Yamaha 2000GT, 1967 (Ivory White)

Episode 21: Toyota 2nd-Generation Soarer, 1986 (Crystal White II)

Episode 22: Lexus LC500 [GWZ100], 2017 (Manual Transmission, Red)

[American Cars Part 2]

Episode 23: Dodge Challenger, 1970 & Plymouth Barracuda, 1971

Episode 24: Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR, 2008 (Black)

Episode 25: Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept, 2004 (Chrome)

[Japanese Cars: Mitsubishi Edition]

Episode 26: Mitsubishi Galant λ, 1976 (Brown Metallic)

Episode 27: Mitsubishi Eclipse [North American Spec], 2006 (Orange Metallic)

[German Cars Part 2]

Episode 28: BMW M635CSi, 1984 (Dark Metallic Blue)

Episode 29: MB 560SEC AMG 6.0 Widebody, 1989 (Black)

Episode 30: BMW M2 with Genuine Performance Parts, 2025 (Neon Lime)

Episode 31: First-Generation Audi TT, 1998 (Lake Silver Metallic)

[Japanese Cars: Subaru Edition]

Episode 32: Subaru Crosstrek XV, 2012 (Lime Green Metallic)

[British Cars Part 2]

Episode 33: Lotus First-Generation Elite, 1959 (British Green)

Episode 34: Lotus Elan S4 Sprint (2-Tone: Blue, White & Gold)

Episode 35: Jaguar E-Type Roadster (Light Blue Metallic)

[Japanese Cars: Honda (Lightweight Sports Cars)]

Episode 36: Honda S800, 1966 (Red)

Episode 37: Honda First-Generation CR-X 1.5i, 1983 (Blue & Silver Two-Tone)

Episode 38: Honda Beat, 1991 (Samba Yellow)

[Japanese Cars: Toyota Part 2]

Episode 39: Toyota Corona Hardtop 1800GT-TR, 1982 (Red)

Episode 40: Toyota GR Supra [DB Series, A90/A91] (Silver)

Episode 41: Toyota GR GT, 2027 [Planned] (Gunmetal)

[American Cars Part 3: Special Edition]: The Corvette Lineage

Episode 1: 1967 Stingray [C2] Convertible (Hardtop, Metallic Blue)

Episode 2: 1972 Corvette [C3] Convertible (Metallic Blue)

Episode 3: 1984 Corvette Coupe [C4] (Bright Red)

Part 4: Corvette Indy [Mid-Ship Prototype] (Silver)

Part 5: Stingray Concept [Prototype], 2009 (Metallic Blue)

#German Style: The “Ultimate in Aesthetics”

When it comes to traditional, handsome actors,

Masao Kusakari!

Born to an American father and a Japanese mother, he’s the original “refreshing” and “handsome” actor! (I have a strong memory of the Lotte Gum commercial: “The cinnamon is different!”)

*His remarkable performance as Masayuki Sanada in the 2016 NHK Taiga drama “Sanada Maru” left a lasting impression.

The German-made coupe we’re featuring this time,

the “Mercedes-Benz 560SEC AMG [Wide-Body Version],”

is very similar to the enigmatic, enlightened state—

the “enlightened state” full of quirks—

[Masao Kusakari]’s extraordinary performance

since his appearance in “Sanada Maru”!

To sum it up,

it’s something like this…

#BMW M635CSi

#MB 560SEC (Standard)

#MB 560SEC AMG [Wide-Body Version]

This generation of the 560SEC

was a model that enjoyed explosive popularity even in Japan at the height of the bubble economy,

so I’ve had plenty of opportunities to experience it in three dimensions—whether through the real thing, models, or die-cast cars—

and both the standard and AMG versions

are the coupes I’m most familiar with!

That’s the kind of thing

I’d like to talk about.

* Real Car Analysis: Beyond the “Orthodox”…

* Exterior Design Features: German Rationalism —— > [A Deviation from the Ultimate]?

* “Me” and the MB560SEC AMG

* Storytelling, Three-Theme Tales: Masao Kusakari [Post-Sanada Maru] · Orthodox Style · Tuners

* Other German Coupes…

* Car Review: Beyond the “Orthodox” Style…

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1989 Mercedes-Benz

560SEC AMG 6.0 Widebody

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This is the ultimate crystallization of automotive design and insane engineering, born during the “pre-merger (independent tuner) era” before AMG was fully absorbed by Daimler.

Combining the refined beauty of its base model—the top-of-the-line C126 coupe—with a design that flaunts overwhelming power, this model achieves a miraculous balance between seemingly contradictory elements: “stillness and motion” and “elegance and brutality,” as seen through the eyes of a designer. ｎ

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Here, we’ll explain the intricate details of its exterior design and internal mechanisms.

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Exterior Design Explanation:

A Fusion of Serene Intelligence and Overwhelming Mass (Sense of Solidity)

Looking at this car’s styling from a designer’s perspective, it becomes clear that this is not simply a “car decked out in flashy aero parts,” but rather a masterpiece in which AMG has perfectly and seamlessly assimilated “additive muscle” into a base vehicle built on the “aesthetics of subtraction.”

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[The Straight Lines of the C126 Base] <————> [AMG’s Muscular Curves]

(Horizontal Sacco Plate <——> Hand-crafted Blister Fenders)

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1. The Surface Composition of the “Blister Fenders” That Showcases Artisanal Craftsmanship

The wide-body design—its most distinctive feature—was hand-hammered and shaped from sheet metal by AMG artisans of that era.

* Continuity of Lines: The character line extending from front to rear is not interrupted by the fender bulges but flows seamlessly, forming a smooth three-dimensional curve as it expands.

* Control of Light: Although the body features the straight lines characteristic of the 1980s, these fenders seductively reflect the surrounding light, emphasizing an “organic allure” and a “wide and low” stance that a purely linear design cannot achieve.

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2. The “Open Vision” Brought About by the Pillarless Structure

The highlight of the C126, designed by Bruno Sacco, is its pillarless hardtop structure, which eliminates the B-pillar (the central pillar).

* Sense of Openness in the Side View: When the front and rear side windows are fully open, an overwhelmingly beautiful, horizontal “open space” is created, with absolutely nothing obstructing the view from the front to the rear window.

* The Art of Contrast: The contrast between the beauty of this light and intelligent cabin (glass area) and the solid, imposing presence of the AMG’s aggressive lower body (lower half) is what makes this car not just a racing car, but a “well-bred, high-end coupe.”

3. The “Sacco Plate” and Tone-on-Tone Color Strategy

The use of the “Sacco Plate”—a plastic panel covering the lower portion of the body sides—is exquisite.

* Visual Effect of a Low Center of Gravity: While this part typically features a two-tone color scheme to emphasize elegance in standard models, AMG has unified it with the body color (or a very similar dark tone).

* Blacked-out chrome: By deliberately painting the chrome plating on the grille and window frames—which would normally be lavishly accented—in a dark color (blacked out), the design exudes a “menacing presence” and “solidity” reminiscent of an Autobahn powerhouse, setting it apart from the glitz of the bubble economy era.

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Internal Mechanism Explanation:

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The Insane Engineering Behind the Aesthetics

If the design is the “body,” then the mechanism is the “skeleton and heart” that drives it. This car’s mechanics are packed with powerful specifications that justify its wide exterior design.

Components Specifications & Features Design & Mechanical Approach

Powerplant (Engine) 6.0L V8 DOHC 32-valve Commonly known as the “Hammer.” Features a proprietary sand-cast cylinder head.

Maximum Power (Power) Approx. 375 hp – 385 hp A significant increase over the stock output (approx. 300 hp). Supercar-level power performance.

Maximum Torque Approx. twice that of the stock engine (explosive from low RPMs) Delivers torrential acceleration that propels the massive body forward in an instant.

Suspension Custom-tuned, reinforced suspension Lowered ride height with precise tuning to match the wider track.

Wheels 17-inch “O.Z. Racing AMG Aero III” 3-piece construction. The deep rims serve as a visual signature that complements the wide body.

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1. The Aesthetic Beauty of the “Hammerhead” V8 Engine

Based on Mercedes-Benz’s stock 5.5L SOHC (M117) engine, AMG bored out the cylinders to increase displacement to 6.0L. Furthermore, it was paired with a proprietary twin-cam (DOHC) 4-valve cylinder head.

Lift the hood to reveal a massive AMG cam cover finished with a crystal-like coating; its mechanical beauty is the very embodiment of “functional beauty shaped by function.”

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2. Ball-Nut Steering That Defines the Driving Experience

Unlike modern rack-and-pinion systems, this model employs the ball-nut (recirculating ball) steering mechanism—a feature that high-end Mercedes models of that era steadfastly upheld.

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*Even at ultra-high speeds (250 km/h and above), it perfectly blocks unpleasant kickback from the road surface, giving the driver an absolute sense of security—as if they were “in the safest place on Earth.” Mechanically, it truly supports the “substantial driving feel” that matches the car’s design aesthetic.

Interior:

A lavish private cockpit

In stark contrast to the exterior’s aggressive presence, the interior is the very embodiment of a luxury salon of that era.

* Classic RECARO Seats: The car is equipped with massive RECARO seats that provide perfect body support, and they can be adjusted electrically via switches on the door panels.

* Carefully Selected Wood and Premium Leather: The interior is lavishly lined with the finest walnut wood panels, and the instrument cluster features AMG’s signature “white gauges” and a “300 km/h scale,” quietly heightening the driver’s excitement.

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Designer’s Summary:

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The 1989 560SEC AMG Widebody represents the pinnacle of 1980s automotive design, a miraculous marriage of “majestic classic elegance” and “motorsports muscle.” It is a vehicle of historic value, created through the passion of the coachbuilders of that era and the generous investment of funds characteristic of the bubble economy—something that could never be produced today under the constraints of modern CAD and crash safety standards.

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#Three-View Photos:

#Key Specifications:

Model: M117 Kai

Total Displacement: 5,953 cc (6.0L) [V8 DOHC 32-valve]

Maximum Power: 375 ps – 385 ps / 5,500 rpm (*Varies depending on specifications and presence of a catalytic converter)

Maximum Torque: 566 Nm (57.7 kg·m) / 4,000 rpm

Drivetrain: FR (Front-engine, rear-wheel drive)

Seating Capacity: 4

Body Style: 2-door coupe

Wheelbase: 2,845 mm

Overall Length: 4,935 mm

Overall Width: 1,930 mm (*Standard model: 1,830 mm)

Overall Height: 1,390 mm

Curb Weight:

1,800 kg

* Exterior Design Features: German Rationalism —— > [A Deviation from the Ultimate]?

The legendary 560SEC—already perfected

as a substantial, aesthetic, and dynamic three-dimensional form

by the Bruno Sacco team—

was taken by the tuner “AMG”

* Engine tuned to racing-car-level sharpness +

* Front and rear fender flares,

* An aero parts kit

(front chin spoiler, side skirts, rear bumper underbody modifications), and

* Interior upgrades,

and sold it as a complete vehicle—a truly innovative move.

More than the edginess of its exterior design,

I recall being captivated by the foresight of its concept.

Now, regarding the 560SEC AMG,

I’d like to examine its exterior features through the following five points.

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1: The perfectly sculpted FR proportions within the large body—unprecedented in any non-American car—of the standard SEC built by Sacco, which serves as the foundation—> The “pinnacle of beauty” in the tradition of European luxury large cars

2: The sensation of floating at ultra-high speeds, brought about by the flared fenders, aero parts, and low-profile tires—more than enough to dispel the Sacco version’s sense of heaviness—> The influence this had on Takuya Yura’s Mugen CRX was truly infinite (lol)

3: The imposing presence of the Sacco version—with its slightly American-style sagging mid-section—and its well-proportioned, handsome front fascia—> It remains the “face” that epitomizes all generations of Mercedes-Benz to this day!

4: The Sacco version’s tail light design, featuring a beautifully textured cross-section that harnesses airflow for a cleansing effect—> This, too, is a tail light design that epitomizes Mercedes-Benz.

5: The “aerodynamic + aesthetic” perfection of the taper toward the rear of the body—obvious when viewed from directly above—which is bold yet restrained, pushing the limits just enough

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Now, let’s take a look at each one

with photos.

1: The perfectly sculpted FR proportions within the large body—unprecedented in any non-American car—found in the standard SEC model created by Sacco, which serves as the foundation

(This may be a source of great disappointment to the Sacco team, but it’s an anecdote from the dawn of the tuner-built car era.)

—> The “pinnacle of beauty” in traditional European luxury cars

2: The sensation of floating at ultra-high speeds, brought about by the blister fenders, aero parts, and low-profile tires—more than enough to dispel the Sacco version’s sense of heaviness

――> The influence this had on Takuya Yura’s work was truly infinite (lol)

(Takuya Yura’s work: Mugen CRX Pro. spec)

3: The imposing presence of the Sacco version—with its slightly American-style sloping roofline—and its well-proportioned, handsome front fascia

――> It’s still the “face” that epitomizes all generations of Mercedes-Benz!

4: The Sacco version’s tail light design, featuring a textured cross-section that creates a cleansing effect through airflow

――> This, too, is a tail light design that epitomizes Mercedes-Benz.

5: The “aerodynamic + aesthetic” perfection of the taper toward the rear of the body—evident when viewed from directly above—which is neither excessive nor too restrained, but pushes the limits just enough

Now, finally,

I’d like to share

my personal SEC experience.

* “Me” and the 560SEC AMG Widebody

The MB560SECs I saw in LA,

just like the flagship 4-door sedan of the same era, the “SEL,”

were a far cry from their image in Japan as the “most powerful car,”

likely due to the following two points:

* Because non-standard headlights were prohibited, they lacked visual impact

* The impact-absorbing bumpers designed for the North American market were too large, making the front and rear profiles look mismatched

(North American headlight units with square lights—designed to meet U.S. standards—crammed in)

(North American 560SEC featuring the Type 55 impact-absorbing bumper)

Amidst all this,

the “AMG wide-body version” made such a powerful impression

that it possessed a

“fierce, menacing presence”

strong enough to overshadow

the minor differences in the headlights and bumpers,

and I simply couldn’t resist

the sheer impact of its overall appearance

and its dynamic, exhilarating design.

After that,

I found myself admiring the three-dimensional design of the “560SEC” like this.

*Tamiya 1/24 scale plastic model kit, Mercedes-Benz 560SEC (silver molded color)

(It hit the market right after the real car was released, and I remember buying two of them at the time because I was so moved. The silver body looked even more solid than the real thing and exuded an incredible aura.

——> I was amazed by the three-dimensional depth of the front fascia, which juts out from the hood.)

* Tamiya, 1/24 Scale Plastic Model Kit, Mercedes-Benz 560SEC Lorinser Spec (Gunmetal)

(This is a variation kit that includes new parts for the front bumper area, low-profile tires and large-diameter wheels, and exclusive decals.

——> They never released an AMG version, did they…?)

* Made in Germany by Level, Premium Series, 1/24 scale plastic kit, Mercedes-Benz 560SEC

(As the Level version of Fujimi’s Enthusiast Series, this line modeled various high-performance real-world cars. Several versions of the 560SEC were released, including the Brabus convertible and the Zender version.

－－→ From this series, I bought the 560SEL [4-door sedan version] and the 560SL, among others.)

#Miniature Cars

* Shadow, 1/64 die-cast ready-to-display model, Mercedes-Benz 560SEC (two-tone black and silver)

(Aside from the wheels and tires being way too big, it captures the shape and details quite accurately.

－－→ I’d like to transplant the tires from the 560SEL I mentioned earlier, but I don’t have any spares…)

* Manufactured by Mattel, Hot Wheels series, MB 560SEL AMG Widebody Edition (Metallic Blue)

(It feels a bit too big, but it faithfully recreates the look of the widebody version.

――ーー＞ To think I could buy this for just $2…)

* Rhino Models, 1/64 die-cast ready-to-display model, MB 560SEC AMG Widebody Edition (Silver)

(It’s a fantastic die-cast model with a sleek, flowing body featuring aero parts—even the headlight wipers are faithfully reproduced.

――＞Just by fine-tuning the positioning of the tires and wheels, it transforms beyond recognition.)

So, like this, my palm is

constantly touching

the 3D model of the 560SEL.

Now then,

let’s dive into the “Three-Theme Story”!

*Three-Theme Story: Masao Kusakari [Post-Sanada Maru] · Orthodox Style · Tuner

The topics I’ve been given this time are

as follows