RennTech just unleashed one heck of a build that combines the past and the future into one vehicle.

While it takes clear inspiration from the iconic Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC AMG ‘Wide Body’ of the 1990s, this is RennTech’s modern interpretation of what a resto-modded Mercedes-Benz SEC (W126) should be. Synonymous with high-performance Mercedes-Benz AMG tuning, RennTech was founded in 1989 by former AMG technical director Hartmut Feyhl and is based in Stuart, Florida.

Now, the esteemed Florida-based tuner is taking performance to the next level by shoehorning a formidable 7.5-liter V12 into their SEC V12 Widebody Sledgehammer. Set to debut in 2027, this resto-mod is based on the C126 coupe version of the ’80s flagship W126 sedan. Originally powered by a 5.6-liter V8, the C126 S-Class Coupe remains one of Mercedes-Benz’s most iconic two-door grand tourers.

At the heart of RennTech’s resto-mod lies a 7.5-liter M120 V12 engine producing 669 PS and 881 Nm of torque, paired with a manual transaxle. This is the same engine that powers the Pagani Zonda and the Mercedes CLK GTR. Known for its smooth refinement, the M120 in the Widebody Sledgehammer will feature equal-length headers, promising RennTech’s signature V12 soundtrack.

RennTech plans to build only 12 of these reengineered widebody SECs, each crafted to order. So far, the company has released only a handful of renderings of the V12 Widebody Sledgehammer, but the design clearly pays homage to what many consider AMG’s golden era, when it was independent of Mercedes-Benz, transforming standard cars into ultra-exclusive performance machines limited only by the buyer’s budget.

As the name suggests, the car features a dramatically widened body compared to the C126 donor, complemented by blacked-out trim. Its custom widebody kit incorporates functional aerodynamic elements, including cooling ducts and a rear diffuser. The “Sledgehammer” name pays homage to one of AMG’s most legendary creations: the original “Hammer,” while the five-spoke lightweight forged wheels draw inspiration from the iconic AMG Penta-style wheels of the ’70s and ’80s, originally produced by ATS or Ronal.

What's your take on resto-modding classic European cars? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.