1970 Mercedes-Benz AMG 300SEL ‘Red Pig’ replica offered for auction

Back in 1971, race engineers Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher entered the 24 Hours of Spa endurance race in a four-door Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 sedan. The massive machine had every gram of excess weight removed and saw its 184kW 6.3-litre V8 engine modified to 6.8-litres with a far ‘racier’ 315kW output.

It was lowered, widened and totally customised for the task, and resplendent in a deep red hue earned the nickname ‘Rote Sau’ or ‘Red Pig’ from other racers. The big ‘Benz was out of place next to their lighter, sleeker machines.

Some 308 laps and 24 hours later, the huge Mercedes took second place outright and apparently would have won if it didn’t need so many fuel stops. Those engineers had a company, the name made up of the first letter of their surnames and their hometown of Großaspach.

The original ‘Red Pig’ was sold to French engineering firm Matra, where its huge power was used to test landing gear and aircraft tyres. Sadly, the car was destroyed but its legend lives on through faithful replicas like this one.

The car, to be offered at the Swiss Oldtimer Gallerie auction in June 2023, has been meticulously constructed in every detail to replicate the infamous AMG racer.

The M100 V8 has been enhanced to 6.8-litres, the ATS Penta wheels have period-correct Pirelli Cinturato P7 tyres with a ridiculous 285mm front and 345mm rear footprint, and even the quartet of foglamps use the same Bosch covers.

The listing notes the car has travelled just 550km since the build was completed, so it presents in faultless condition.

While the auction does not list an estimated value, another ‘Red Pig’ replica sold at auction for €432,500 (A$705,000) back in 2020, so we’d expect this to reach a similar height.

It may not be the real thing, but it is still an awesome homage to one of modern motoring’s true legends.