In Its Early Years

In Its Early Years

Two technical diamonds that will forever remain in the prestigious Mercedes-Benz motoring history. They are the expression of the passion for ultimate driving and adrenalin rush, in an era when power outputs going beyond 250 BHP were seen as total miracles. AMG engineers managed to create the perfect balance between a high-luxury sedan and a sporty coupe, without ruining the number of doors. Actually, the whole 300 SEL AMG business began in 1966 as a private venture between Erich Waxenberger, a company engineer, and Paul Bracq, the designer of this 4 wheel beauty. The result:the world's first "Super Saloon", nicknamed "Q-Car". The 300 SEL 6.3 AMG boasts a 6.3 litres V8 engine with fuel injection, derived from the standard 300 SEL 6.3 power unit with 184 kW/250 hp output. For the AMG version, there was a choice of three engines with different outputs:206 kW/280 hp, 221 kW/300 hp or 235 kW/320 hp, capable of achieveing 51 mkg maximum torque.

These V8 units were linked to a 4 speed automatic gearbox. Other technical specifications include:air suspension, automatic choke, ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, power windows, central locking, power steering. The road performance of the 300 SEL 6.3 AMG was absolutely stunning:the acceleration up to the 100 km/h took just 6.3 seconds, so way below the feared 8 seconds limit, whereas the max. 235 km/h for the 320 hp model. If you proceed below, you will be able to read the most important bits of press releases which I have found and which are related to 300 SEL AMG models. A fire red paint finish, imposing tyres and a mighty eight-cylinder engine under the bonnet - it could only be the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG. Even today, motorsport aficionados still rave about the victory at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps 36 years ago. Piloted by Hans Heyer and Clemens Schickentanz, the racing saloon took its place on the start grid of the classic long-distance race in the Ardennes in Belgium alongside established rivals from Alfa Romeo, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford and Opel.

Nobody had thought it possible, but the 300 SEL 6.8 AMG crossed the line in second place on its very first outing, winning its class in the process. As a result, the company from Affalterbach which had been founded in 1967 became famous overnight - and the AMG legend was born out on the race track. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 - at that time the fast German-built car in series production - provided the technical platform for the AMG racing car. With its V8 engine mustering 184 kW/250 hp from a displacement of 6.3 litres and a peak torque of 51 mkg, the Stuttgart-built luxury saloon was deemed to be the scourge of the sports car fraternity. The achievement of the racy "6.8" in Spa-Francorchamps had a definite impact on day-to-day business at AMG. In its early years, AMG concentrated on building racing cars based on the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE and competing in European touring car races.

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