In 1991, if you wanted to add some extra oomph to your Mercedes-Benz 500E, Brabus was the place to go. One such example is this model, which is now on auction in the United States on Bring a Trailer.

The opening bid? Some $50 000 (approximately R830 000).

What makes this car more extreme than the standard 500E? For starters, the naturally aspirated 5,0-litre V8 has had its capacity increased to 6,0 litres. It's also been fitted with a solid lifter conversion, different headers and an exhaust system, while furthermore gaining an ECU tune.

This took the standard peak outputs of 240 kW and 470 N.m of torque to 300 kW and 604 N.m. The result was claimed 0-100 km/h time of 5,3 seconds and a top speed of 266 km/h. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission.

Other alterations include a set of flared wheel arches, 18-inch three-spoke Brabus alloy wheels (with 245/40 R18 Cooper Zeon RS3-S tyres) and heated Recaro bucket seats for the driver and passenger. Improved stopping power is sourced from a set of Alcon multi-piston front callipers.

As it stands, the 500E Brabus 6,0 has travelled 132 000 km. The auction ends on 22 September...

Original article from Car