History about AMG #3 Years evolutions (1964-1976)
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1964 WARM-UP
Hans-Werner Aufrecht is working as a test bench engineer on the 300 SE racing engines from Mercedes-Benz. To his disappointment, Daimler-Benz withdraws from motorsport. While working on production engines, he meets Erhard Melcher, who had just finished college. Their relationship is somewhat tense at first. However, their shared interest in motorsport brings them together in 1965. Aufrecht and Melcher are still employed at Daimler, Aufrecht as a test bench engineer and Melcher as an engineer in engine development.
1965 FORMATION LAP
Manfred Schiek pilots the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE, modified by Aufrecht and Melcher, at that year's German Touring Car Championship - though not yet under the name AMG. A definite winner, the car victoriously crosses the finish line ten times.
1966 PASSION
In their spare time, Melcher and Aufrecht service several race drivers with 300 SE models and modify engines by fitting them with direct fuel injection. At that time, they're motivated by pure racing fever, without any commercial aspirations. They work nights and weekends in Aufrecht's basement and garage in Großaspach. Their extraordinary achievements quickly earn them a reputation in the racing scene.
1967 THE START
In early 1967, Aufrecht and Melcher leave their jobs at Daimler-Benz and rent workshop space in the now-famous "old mill" in the Swabian town of Burgstall. They name their "engineering office" AMG. The initials stand for Aufrecht, Melcher, and Großaspach Hans-Werner Aufrecht's hometown. Further race cars follow, as well as the first modified production cars, usually using the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE as their basis.
1968 ACCELERATION
The W 114/115 models come out, better known as the Mercedes-Benz "stroke-8." The 300 SEL 6.3, the fastest version of the (by comparison) smaller Mercedes-Benz, catches the attention of the company in Großaspach. The new model appeals to a new, sporty AMG clientele. The small company is growing in size and reputation and develops the fastest sedan in the world thanks to its performance-enhanced 6.3-liter engine.
1971 BIG BANG
AMG becomes famous overnight. The first race car bearing the AMG logo effortlessly wins its class in the 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps and secures second place overall. It is the legendary red AMG 300 SEL 6.8, which continues to be a symbol of the brand's roots to this day.
1973 TRENDSETTERS
AMG sets a new international trend with the concept of customization. Offering both technical and esthetic modifications to interior and exterior, AMG receives an enormous response, especially in the US. Visual signature: the chrome trim finished in black.
1976 MOVE TO AFFALTERBACH
Now employing about a dozen people, AMG moves from Burgstall to Affalterbach. In its newly built facility, the racing engine workshop continues to develop into a sports sedan and coupé manufacturer. AMG also attracts increasing interest in the Middle East and Asia.
G. Duse
AMG Expert
Your contact for buying or selling MB AMG modèles or luxury cars in Switzerland.