In the world of restomods, few projects manage to balance heritage, brutality, and modern engineering with true authenticity. Yet when RENNtech unveiled its SEC V12 Widebody — unofficially nicknamed the “Sledgehammer” — it didn’t merely reinterpret a classic Mercedes-Benz coupe… it redefined what a modern restomod could be.
Blending the timeless silhouette of the W126 SEC with supercar-level performance and bespoke craftsmanship, this machine stands as one of the most extreme Mercedes-based restomods ever conceived.
Reimagining a Mercedes Icon
The foundation of this project is the legendary Mercedes-Benz W126 SEC — a grand touring coupe that symbolized prestige, engineering excellence, and understated dominance throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.
Rather than restoring the car to factory condition, RENNtech chose a far more ambitious path: reengineering it from the ground up while preserving its unmistakable design DNA.
The result is not a restoration — but a reinvention.
The Heart of the Sledgehammer
At the core of the build lies a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter M120 V12 — one of Mercedes’ most revered powerplants, originally found in flagship models like the SL and S-Class.
RENNtech extensively reworked the engine to deliver dramatically increased output, transforming the stately grand tourer into a high-performance monster. Power figures climb into supercar territory, supported by upgraded cooling, fueling, and engine management systems engineered to handle the V12’s immense potential.
The result is a restomod capable of delivering performance levels unimaginable when the SEC first left Stuttgart.
Widebody Presence — Aggression Refined
Visually, the transformation is just as radical.
The custom widebody architecture dramatically expands the SEC’s stance, giving the coupe an unmistakable road presence. Flared arches, bespoke aerodynamic elements, and deep-dish performance wheels modernize the silhouette without erasing its heritage.
Every panel transition is executed with coachbuilt precision — not aftermarket excess, but OEM-level integration.
It is muscular, but never vulgar. Aggressive, yet unmistakably Mercedes.
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Performance Philosophy — Grand Tourer Meets Supercar
Unlike many restomods focused purely on aesthetics, the Sledgehammer was engineered as a holistic performance machine.
Upgraded suspension systems, modern braking hardware, reinforced chassis components, and recalibrated drivetrain geometry ensure the car can translate its V12 power into usable road performance.
This is not simply a straight-line build — it is a high-speed GT designed to deliver composure, stability, and authority at modern autobahn velocities.
Restomod Culture at Its Peak
Projects like the SEC V12 Widebody reflect a broader shift within the collector car world.
Where traditional restorations once prioritized originality above all else, today’s elite builders are exploring a more experiential philosophy — enhancing performance, usability, and exclusivity while honoring design heritage.
In that context, the RENNtech SEC stands alongside the most desirable restomods globally — machines that blur the line between classic collector car and contemporary hyper-GT.
Discover More From RENNtech
For collectors and enthusiasts interested in commissioning or exploring similar builds, RENNtech offers detailed insights into its engineering process, bespoke services, and heritage projects through its official platform.
You can explore the SEC V12 Widebody in depth and discover other high-performance Mercedes restomod creations by visiting the official workshop:
When Heritage Meets Horsepower
The RENNtech SEC V12 Widebody “Sledgehammer” is more than a restomod — it is a philosophical statement about what happens when classic luxury collides with modern engineering ambition.
It preserves the elegance of the W126 era while injecting it with supercar performance, bespoke craftsmanship, and contemporary road presence.
In a world increasingly dominated by digital interfaces and electrification, builds like this remind us that analog power — especially when delivered through a naturally aspirated V12 — still holds a uniquely visceral appeal.
And in the hands of the right workshop… even legends can be reborn faster, wider, and more formidable than ever before.
For collectors inspired by the legacy and engineering excellence behind projects like the SEC V12 Widebody, exploring available models is part of the journey. You can discover a curated selection of premium Mercedes-Benz vehicles currently available by visiting the Mercedes inventory section on LuxeonCars.