The pure essence of the “eighties” tuning scene in Germany could even exceed ten million crowns at auction.
In the offer of the renowned auction house RM Sotheby’s, you would probably imagine mostly the rarest classic cars full of elegance, naturally auctioned for astronomical sums. However, sometimes a car that stands out from the crowd appears in the company’s portfolio. In the upcoming November auction in Munich, this car will be a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC in an eccentric modification from the German workshop Styling Garage.
Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC Koenig (1989)
• Auctomobile
The tuning company from Hamburg was active worldwide in the unrestrained 1980s, and its customers included, for example, sheikhs, celebrities of the Western world and even some world leaders. The range of modifications offered was almost unlimited, from gilding parts of the interiors to extensive rebuilds of the bodywork. Even the now offered embellished coupe from Mercedes therefore has several unique elements.
Combined with snow-white paint and body kit, the model is unmistakable thanks to the upward-tilting Gullwing doors. Their installation then required the necessary reinforcement of the car’s structure on the roof and sills. We’ve also got period BBS two-piece wheels, while the interior has been completely reupholstered in gray leather including the steering wheel, complete with softer floor mats with ‘500 SEC Gullwing’ lettering. The icing on the cake is a wooden statuette of a falcon’s head instead of the original automatic transmission shifter.
Of course, many similarly modified coupes from the C126 series with Gullwing doors do not drive around the world, so this is said to be one of only 57 produced by Styling Garage. The car was originally registered in California, after which it returned to its native Germany in 2010, where it has been looked after by Mercedes specialists from Autohaus Weicker GmbH.
Not even the experts from RM Sotheby’s themselves mention the performance or modifications to the 500 SEC engine. The series coupe from 1984 intended for the American market received a five-liter eight-cylinder under the hood, for which AMG was already offering modifications at that time. The estimated price tag of the winged Mercedes ranges from 350,000 to 400,000 euros (approx. 8.85 to 10.1 million crowns). How much it will eventually be auctioned for, and if at all, will be seen on November 23.
The Eccentric Auctioning of an ’80s Classic: A Mercedes-Benz Like No Other
Ah, the 1980s! A decade defined by bold fashion choices, questionable hairstyles, and an automotive tuning scene that can leave your jaw on the floor—if you’re not careful, of course! I mean, one minute you’re watching Miami Vice and the next, you’re dropping ten million crowns at an auction for something that looks like a car that just rolled off the set of Knight Rider—but I’m getting ahead of myself!
Enter RM Sotheby’s: a name that normally conjures images of elegant classic cars; think vintage Rolls Royces and Ferraris that make you feel faint just looking at the price tag. But this November in Munich, they’re throwing caution (and taste) to the wind with a rather eccentric vehicle up for auction: a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC that’s been modified by the whimsically-named Styling Garage from Hamburg. Yes, that’s right, folks! This isn’t just any vehicle; this is turned-up-to-11 motoring madness!
More Than Just a Car: A Mobile Lifestyle Statement
Now, if you think your cousin’s tricked-out car in his garage was special, buckle up! This beauty flaunts some serious eccentricities: flamboyantly white, adorned with the kind of body kit that would make an aspiring drag racer swoon and sporting those iconic Gullwing doors. You know, for those times you want to make an entrance—literally. It’s like the car version of an overzealous magician. “Hey, look, I can make the roof disappear!”
From gilded handles to two-piece BBS wheels, this isn’t merely a car; it’s a rolling testament to the grandeur of the ’80s. And let’s not forget the interior, completely reupholstered in grey leather because, obviously, standard upholstery would just *not* do. To top it all off, if you don’t find the wooden falcon statuette on the transmission shifter a tad eccentric, well, we clearly have different definitions of strange. I mean, who wouldn’t want to shift gears with a majestic bird there for moral support?
Rare, but Not Too Common
Here’s a fun fact: there are only 57 of these bad boys rolling around out there! So, when it comes time for the auction, don’t fret too much about personal space—it might be easier to locate this rare bird in a flock of pigeons than to find another one of these unique coupes! Originally registered in sunny California before jetting back to Germany in 2010, it’s been as pampered as a royal diva. It’s practically a celebrity! In fact, if cars could post on Instagram, this one would likely boast an influencer-level following.
Under the Hood—But Not Too Much
As for the engine? Well, RM Sotheby’s seems rather tight-lipped. Is it a hidden treasure? Or just good ol’ marketing theatrics? We do know it rocked a five-liter V8 from 1984, an era when the only tuning we really concerned ourselves with was tuning in to our favorite sitcoms. But, hey, the good folks from AMG were offering modifications even back then. So, who knows what lurks beneath this flashy exterior?
Price Tag and Speculation
Now, let’s talk bucks and crowns. The starting bid ranges from 350,000 to 400,000 euros—that’s roughly 8.85 to 10.1 million crowns—just a casual price for something that screams nostalgia. Will it fly off the digital auction block? Or will it sit there looking fabulous like an Egyptian goddess waiting for a suitor? The anticipated date is November 23, so mark your calendars. Who knows? Maybe you’ll want to skip the dishwashing bills and invest in a ride that’s sure to turn heads or at the very least, raise eyebrows!
So, whether you’re a purist or someone who enjoys a dash of flamboyance in your life, this Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC promises to stir the pot at the auction. One thing’s for sure—it’s certainly not your dad’s Oldsmobile! Best of luck to the bidders, and may the odds be ever in your favor. Or at least, may your credit card limit be as high as your aspirations!
The pure essence of the “eighties” tuning scene in Germany could reach astonishing sums, with some pieces anticipated to surpass ten million crowns at auction.
When envisioning the offerings of RM Sotheby’s, one might typically picture an array of rare classic cars, each exuding timeless elegance and commanding astronomical prices. However, a standout contender for the upcoming November auction in Munich is set to capture attention: a distinctive 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC that has undergone an eccentric modification by the celebrated German workshop Styling Garage.
The renowned tuning company from Hamburg thrived during the hedonistic 1980s, attracting a clientele that included wealthy sheikhs, A-list celebrities, and even global leaders. Their extensive range of alterations was nearly limitless, encompassing everything from the gilding of intricate interior components to sweeping bodywork transformations. As a result, the uniquely modified Mercedes coupe available for auction presents a mesmerizing showcase of distinct features, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
This extraordinary vehicle dazzles with its pristine snow-white paint and striking body kit, highlighted by the iconic upward-tilting Gullwing doors. Installing these doors necessitated critical structural reinforcements in the car’s roof and sills, transforming it into a visual marvel. Additionally, the car boasts period-specific BBS two-piece wheels, while its lavish interior has been completely reupholstered in sumptuous gray leather, extending even to the steering wheel and plush floor mats adorned with ‘500 SEC Gullwing’ lettering. Adding a whimsical touch, the original automatic transmission shifter has been replaced with an exquisite wooden statuette of a falcon’s head—a testament to the car’s unique character.
Notably, many similarly modified coupes from the C126 series with Gullwing doors are rarely seen, making this specific vehicle particularly special as it is one of only 57 crafted by Styling Garage. Originally registered in California, it made its way back to Germany in 2010, where it has been lovingly maintained by experts at Autohaus Weicker GmbH, ensuring that its mechanical integrity is as remarkable as its aesthetic appeal.
While the experts at RM Sotheby’s have not disclosed specific performance metrics or engine modifications for the 500 SEC, it is known that the original coupe, designed for the American market, features a robust five-liter V8 under the hood. At that time, AMG was already providing engine modifications tailored to enhance performance. The anticipated auction price for this impressive winged Mercedes is estimated to range between 350,000 and 400,000 euros (approximately 8.85 to 10.1 million crowns). The final outcome of the auction, set for November 23, will reveal whether it achieves its expected value or exceeds all estimates.
How does the interior design of this car reflect its luxurious and eccentric character?
Ne white exterior and an aggressive body kit that makes a bold statement. One of its standout features are the upward-tilting Gullwing doors, which not only provide a dramatic entrance but also necessitated structural reinforcements to the roof and sills to accommodate them. The vehicle rides on bespoke BBS two-piece wheels, adding a touch of elegance to its sporty demeanor.
The interior is a feast for the senses, showcasing a complete reupholstery in luxurious gray leather. Every inch of the cabin has been carefully attended to, including the steering wheel and plush floor mats adorned with “500 SEC Gullwing” lettering. But perhaps the most eccentric touch is the replacement of the original automatic transmission shifter with a stunning wooden statuette of a falcon’s head, embodying the car’s unique character.
Despite its flamboyant modifications, this particular model is incredibly rare, with only **57 units** of the Gullwing variant produced by Styling Garage. Its journey began in sunny California before it made its way back to Germany in 2010, where it has since been lovingly maintained by experts at Autohaus Weicker GmbH, a reputable Mercedes specialist.
While RM Sotheby’s has chosen to remain discreet about any potential performance modifications to the engine, we do know that the original 500 SEC was equipped with a robust five-liter V8. During the era, even esteemed tuning company AMG was already offering performance enhancements, suggesting that the engine could be hiding some upgrades that discerning buyers might be eager to uncover.
The auction has set an estimated price tag ranging from **350,000 to 400,000 euros** (approximately **8.85 to 10.1 million crowns**), making it a serious contender for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Will this outrageous example of ’80s automotive culture become the talk of the auction, or will it dazzle enough to find a worthy new owner? The world will find out on **November 23**, as this striking Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC takes center stage.
For anyone with a passion for unique motoring history, this auction presents a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of not only automotive excellence but also a quirky snapshot of a vibrant era in car culture. Whether you’re caught up in the charm of the ’80s or simply love a well-tuned vehicle, the excitement surrounding this exceptional Mercedes continues to build as the auction date approaches.
