Before its merger with Mercedes-Benz in 2005, AMG existed as an independent tuning house.

Founded in 1967 by a pair of former Mercedes-Benz engineers, AMG was primarily engaged in offering a range of performance upgrades and cosmetic accessory packages for Mercedes-Benz automobiles.

Beginning in 1986, AMG also operated as the de-facto works team and engine supplier representing Mercedes-Benz in Group A and Group N competitions.

In 1989, the jewel of the AMG catalogue was the engine conversion for the W126-chassis-code S-Class 560 SEC and SEL.

At a cost of $43,500, this performance package consisted of taking the stock 5.5-liter M117 V-8 engine and boring it out to 6.0 liters before equipping it with a set of proprietary, four-valve, dual-overhead-camshaft, three-piece, sand-cast cylinder heads.

In conjunction with a revised driveline supplied with freer-breathing intake and exhaust systems, the final product was capable of 385 horsepower and twice the torque at half the engine spe...