Mercedes-AMG Made 3 Unique GT3 Race Cars As Tribute To Red Pig

50 years ago, the motorsport world was introduced to the 300 SEL 6.8 AMG

As one of the oldest car brands, Mercedes-Benz has many legendary cars in its stable, but none is quite like the 300 SEL 6.8 AMG a.k.a. Red Pig, which was responsible for putting the Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach brand on the global stage after winning the 1971 24 Hours of Spa.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the famous victory, Mercedes-AMG has introduced three one-off GT3 race cars called the “50 Years Legend of Spa” editions. The line-up consists of one SLS AMG GT3, one 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT3 and the current version of the Mercedes-AMG GT3.

Each of these cars comes in a red livery as a tribute to the Red Pig, complete with mock sponsor graphics and the numbers 50 on the front, rear and both sides. Inside, all three cars get a Graphite Metallic Matte chassis finish, a carbon instrument panel, red seat belts, a plaque with Hans Werner Aufrecht’s signature and a commemorative logo on the seats.

Performance-wise, Mercedes says these cars are not FIA approved. Taking advantage of the leeway, the company has installed a performance exhaust system without silencer, allowing the 6.3 litre V8 engine to produce a whopping 650 hp.

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For Mercedes-AMG, this year’s TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa is all about a special anniversary: 50 years ago almost to the day, the classic race at the Ardennes circuit resulted into the first major success that put the still young AMG brand onto the major motorsport stage almost overnight.

Hans Heyer and Clemens Schickentanz won their class and finished second overall with the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, a sensation that still has its effect on the Mercedes-AMG spirit to the present. As homage to the legendary red saloon car that defeated the opposition with the considerably lighter race cars back in 1971, Mercedes-AMG has developed the limited edition “50 Years Legend of Spa”.

It includes all three GT3 generations that have been available since 2010. For maximum exclusivity, the number has been limited to one of each. Next to the iconic red livery, the three unique pieces incorporate further exclusive characteristics and specifications. The special editions as well as a replica of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG are on public display for the first time during this year’s 24-hour race at Spa.

• Premiere for three GT3 special editions “50 Years Legend of Spa”
• Fascinating new interpretations recall Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG
• One of One: maximum limitation of the quantity to one unit of each

The limited edition consists of one Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3, one Mercedes-AMG GT3 (model year 2016) and the current evolution version of the Mercedes-AMG GT3. All three race cars are ready-to-race one-offs with special characteristics and unique features.

Characteristic is the livery that recalls the iconic looks of the 300 SEL 6.8 AMG from 50 years ago. Next to the red basic colour, the surfaces for starting numbers and sponsors have been unmistakably inspired by the race participation at Spa at the time.

The extras in the interior include, among others, a finish in Graphite Metallic Matt and an instrument panel in carbon. On this panel, there is an anniversary plaque with the original signature of AMG founder Hans Werner Aufrecht.

Technically, the special editions are real exceptions, too: for instance, the performance exhaust system allows for sound to be enjoyed to the maximum. The AMG 6.3 litre V8 atmospheric engine can unleash its full power level of 478 kW (650 hp) without an air restrictor. Delivery is without FIA homologation.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 “50 Years Legend of Spa”

The SLS AMG GT3 “50 Years Legend of Spa” is a brand-new competition gullwing from the year 2021. Officially, production of the model range came to an end in 2015, but for the anniversary edition, Mercedes-AMG took the final and only still available bodyshell of the model from its warehouse. This was used to build the special version. Together with the other characteristics and specifications of the special version, the result is a car that can’t be exceeded in terms of uniqueness.

Mercedes-AMG GT3 “50 Years Legend of Spa” (MY 2016)

The Mercedes-AMG GT3 “50 Years Legend of Spa” is a fascinating new car from the first model generation that meanwhile has been discontinued. Next to the typical special colour schemes for the interior and the exterior as well as the numerous special features, the race car has another characteristic that is making it unmistakable and unique: its chassis number. The space frame of the anniversary edition, made from aluminium, has the concise number 100.

Mercedes-AMG GT3 “50 Years Legend of Spa” (MY 2020)

Slick-shod and striving for success: as a special edition “50 Years Legend of Spa”, the new Mercedes-AMG GT3 is representing the present as well as the past and the future.

Apart from the performance exhaust system that is making it even more powerful, its technology is identical to that of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 cars that are on the grid for this year’s 24-hour race. Moreover, with its looks and its special features, it is a tribute to the DNA and the history of the AMG brand.

Jochen Hermann, technical managing director, Mercedes-AMG GmbH: “The special editions recall one of the most important milestones in AMG’s corporate history. The 24-hour race at Spa in 1971 stands as an example for the spirit of our brand: daring to take on the impossible, overcoming challenges and convincing with performance!

I am very happy that we have been present with our Customer Racing Programme in the Belgian endurance racing classic without exception since 2011. This year, my joy is even bigger as I will be on site for the race myself. I am curious what the public response to our special editions will be like. Technically and optically, they are highlights, there is no doubt about that. And the exclusivity of the three cars is really extraordinary!”

Car characteristics “50 Years Legend of Spa”