1983 Mercedes-Benz 'Red Pig' Replica (W123)

Werner Aulfrecht and Erhard Melcher are the names behind the, now, world famous AMG moniker Aulfrecht-Melcher-Grosspach (Aulfrecht's birth town). The two engineers met while developing an engine for the Mercedes Silver Arrows in the 1960s, with their skill not going unnoticed over time. Eventually the demand for their engine work increased with one thing leading to another, and ‘AMG’ was formed. No marketing strategy was required as the word had already spread, and AMG became the go-to business for Mercedes tuning. In 1971, their skills were called upon when a client employed their services to help him prepare his 300 SEL for circuit racing. Already one of the fastest production cars of the day, the big W109 was put on a serious diet with weight removed wherever possible, aluminium doors were fitted, the track was widened, the arches flared to accommodate wider racing tyres and the engine rebuilt and extensively modified to produce 420bhp. One of the most notable features was the front rally-style lights, an aggressive touch which, combined with the lack of bumpers, gave it a very recognisable look and presence, culminating in the nickname ‘Red Pig’, given as it rolled into the paddock at Spa prior to competing in a 24-hour race where the car finished first in class and second overall, cementing its place in Mercedes folklore.

The 1985 W123 Mercedes on offer here is presented in the style of the famous AMG Mercedes ‘Red Pig’ and was built by the renowned Mercedes restoration expert, Martin Morocco, as a tribute to the W109 300 SEL AMG race car that he had admired for many years. Initially constructed around a W123 shell, as the engine bay provided room in abundance to accommodate the 5.6 V8 engine and ancillaries that were to form the basis and backbone of the build. With regards to more general specification, the power unit consists of a 560 SEL block, fully rebuilt to AMG specification where possible, incorporating larger inlet valves with modified rockers, matched inlet and exhaust manifolds, a modified ECU, late-model camshafts and a high-capacity oil cooler. Other details include an uprated 560 gearbox feeding power to the custom-built, limited-slip differential, bespoke brake discs, Goodrich 'flexi' brake lines, high-output fuel pumps and a bespoke 11-gallon competition fuel cell. Internally, it's fitted with a full roll cage and FIA competition-style seats. The distinctive rally lights that made the car stand out from the crowd in the past have made a return, and the car sits on a set of smoked silver, five-spoke 16" alloys wearing fresh Michelin Pilots.

A comprehensive build that has clearly had some serious thought behind it, professionally completed to a very high standard and guided at a mere fraction of the value of a genuine ‘Red Pig’.