Do you know what AMG stands for? Did you know the AMG Company is 35 years old? If you answered to any of these 2 above with a NO, then this article is for you. If you want to educated yourself or just want to impress your friends next time you talk about cars, then this is definitely for you.
35 years of Mercedes-Benz high-performance vehicles and production-car track success
- 1967 to 2002: from a three-man band to a workforce of around 580
- 35 years of high-tech engineering for Mercedes-Benz vehicles
- A pioneer in adapting cars to individual customer specifications
- Victories across the board in international motorsport
From its beginnings 35 years ago as a specialist motorsport and tuning firm, Mercedes-AMG GmbH has grown into a supplier of exclusive high-performance cars with some 580 employees, an extensive model range now comprising 17 different AMG cars, customers across the world and a brand name which has gained a high level of recognition. The company was founded back in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht (A) and his partner Eberhard Melcher (M), whilst Aufrecht’s birthplace of Großaspach (G) sup-plied the third letter in the company name. They officially described them-selves as ”engineering, construction and testing specialists in the development of racing engines”. The firm was based in an old mill in Burgstall (near Affalterbach).
The breakthrough in 1971 with class victory in the 24 Hours of Spa
In its early years, AMG concentrated on building racing cars based on the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE and competing in European touring car races. And the company didn’t have to wait long to taste success, their first real breakthrough arriving in 1971. A Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 modified by AMG took a surprise class victory in the 24-hour race at Spa in Belgium, finishing in second place overall. Sharing the driving duties in the racing saloon that day was the partnership of Hans Heyer and Clemes Schickendanz.
The 1971 success proved to be the springboard for a enviable record on the track which has continued to the present day :
Click here to continue reading |
