1990 Koenig-Specials ‘Sportcoupe’ Version 11

SOLD

The infamous German tuning house ‘Koenig’ was founded in 1977 by German publishing tycoon and motor racer Willy Köenig. Officially known as Koenig-Specials, his company rose to fame in the 1980s by offering wildly modified versions of high-performance production road cars from BMW, Ferrari, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.

Each car was specially ordered to the requirements of the individual owner and could be specified with wild ‘wide body’ Koenig bodywork upgrades and custom deep dish split rim wheels from BBS and OZ.

Indeed many of the Koenig cars produced in period were fitted only with the cosmetic styling package and remained in their standard manufacturer tune, however the most expensive and desirable Koenig cars constructed were also extensively mechanically upgraded, with options for twin turbochargers or supercharging, bespoke Koenig big brake kits, handling packages and sports exhaust systems; the only limitation being the budget of the client!

Perhaps the most well-known Mercedes model synonymous with Koenig Specials is the C126 (SEC) which immediately caught Willy Koenig’s attention when it was launched at the 1981 ‘Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung’ Frankfurt Motor Show.

Throughout the 1980s Koenig offered enhanced versions of C126, firstly the 500 SEC (known as Version One) then the later flagship 560 SEC launched in 1986, known as Version 2, the latter being the most powerful Benz available at the time, especially when fitted with Koenigs Twin Turbo or Supercharger system

According to extensive research undertaken by the owner, our car is one of just six late production 560 SEC Version Two examples fitted with the Albrex supercharging system which raised power from 268bhp to 400bhp!

Whilst incredibly powerful with twin turbochargers, some of the Turbo cars suffered reliability issues and proved difficult to remain in tune, hence the development work by Conrad Gruber on the Albrex supercharger offered both collosal power and additional refinement, reliability and usability.

The development work by Gruber on supercharging had a significant influence on Mercedes Benz production of Kompressor engine cars from the late 1990s onwards

This particular 560 SEC was completed at Sindelfingen in June 1990 and finished in Blue-Black Metallic coachwork (199) over a Black leather interior (261) with perforatation on the front seats accented by burl wood veneer on the center console, dashboard, door cards, and steering wheel.

Destined for Japan and highly optioned with heated front seats, on-board computer, Acceleration Skid Control, automatic climate control and fire extinguisher, a Japanese safety requirement of the period.

The car was immediately dispatched to Koenig Specials in Munich for its ‘Version 2’ conversion prior to export to Japan and upon arrival at Koenig-Specials received the full “Version II” wide body kit, comprising of including special fenders, quarter panels, front and rear air dams and integrated rear spoiler, with Koenig Specials badging fitted to the bootlid and central grille in place of the MB three pointed star.

Huge custom three-piece O.Z. Racing wheels with Koenig Specials centre caps were fitted, shod Pirelli tires at the front and rear, front wheel size 17×10 and rear wheels 17×12, with subsequent tire sizes showing 255/40 and 335/35 respectively

This 5.5L M117 V8  engine was fitted with a bespoke Albrex supercharger by Conrad Gruber working in conjunction with Koenig and paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission with a modified instrument binnacle featuring a 300kph speedometer and shows the factory-optioned on-board computer in place of the tachometer.

Acquired in Japan after a lengthy search by the current owner in 2014, a noted UK based collector of important tuner Mercedes Benz cars, the car arrived in the UK on 6^th March 2014 and was UK registered shortly after.

Throughout the current ownership, all maintenance of this significant Koenig Special has been entrusted to leading MB specialists John Haynes, with supporting invoices in the history file.

Maintained regardless of expense, the car has benefitted in recent years from a rebuilt Supercharger system, fully rebuilt and upgraded suspension and bushings, rebuilt braking system, rebuilt cooling system and AC in addition to regular servicing, covering over 20,000 enjoyable kilometers over the past twelve years

The subject of a six-page feature in Mercedes Enthusiast magazine April/May 2021 issue where it was featured on the cover, this eighties icon won ‘The Youngtimers’ Class award at the 2021 London Concours.

Supplied with official Koenig Specials Certificate Of Authenticity and well documented history file, recent MoT on 18^th August 2026 and current odometer reading of 92,100 kms, an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire one of the greatest tuned Mercedes of all time in exceptional condition