From its beginnings over 35 years ago as a specialist motorsport and tuning firm, AMG has grown into a supplier of high-performance cars with over 580 employees. It boasts an extensive model range of seventeen different AMG cars, customers across the world and a brand name with credibility amongst petrolheads worldwide.
The company was founded back in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht (the A) and 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 and testing specialists in the development of racing engines”. The firm was based in an old mill in Burgstall..
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. The 1971 success proved to be the springboard for a enviable record on the track which has continued to the present day.
Read Article