Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL AMG (24 Hour Nurburgring 1972)

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Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL AMG (24 Hour Nurburgring 1972) in Red (1:18 scale)
- The number 1 car driven by Heyer & Betzler. AMG was founded back in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht (A) & his partner Eberhard Melcher (M), whilst Aufrecht"s birthplace of Großaspach (G) supplied the third letter in the company name. They officially described themselves as >engineering, construction & testing specialists in the development of racing engines>. The firm was based in an old mill in Burgstall near Affalterbach. In its early years, AMG concentrated on building racing cars based on the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE & competing in European touring car races. & the company didn"t have to wait long to taste success, their first real breakthrough arriving in 1971. The AMG team debuted with a Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 at the Südwestpokal Race held on the Hockenheimring on July 4, 1971. The car was driven by Helmut Kelleners (result unknown). Unfortunately, the car was severely damaged in a testing accident after the Hockenheim race. But, it was painstakingly taken apart & reassembled for the next event. AMG"s modified Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 took a surprise class victory in the 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, finishing in second place overall. Sharing the driving duties in the racing saloon that day was the partnership of Hans Heyer & Clemens Schickentanz. In September, Heyer & Schickentanz partnered once more for the 24h Paul Ricard, & endurance race held over 2x 6 hours. They did not finish due to a faulty differential. A change in regulations meant that the 300 SEL 6.8 became obsolete for international touring car races by the end of 1971.