I spent 1975 and 1976 as an apprentice mechanic at the local Mercedes Benz dealer, where the mighty 6.3 was still a relatively common sight on the street. It was quite the car: it had relatively low power for a 6.3 but buckets of torque; and the 4-speed automatic, with fluid coupling instead of a torque converter, would take off in 2nd gear unless you matted it, which would invoke 1st and some very exciting moments indeed.
The motor came from the 600 limousine as did the air suspension, and the whole package was designed for comfort first. A plush ride leading to a fair bit of lean meant it was fast but maybe not ideal for racing.
Enter AMG, Their first car, a hot-rodded 6.3 called the Red Pig due to its colour and cornering abilities, shredded its tires on its first outing in 1970 and was retired early. By 1971 an uprated 6.8 litre motor, combined with the low-pivot swing axle, reduced weight and better tires, made for some very entertaining cornering stances. For more info, click here.
The car became obsolete late in 1972 when the rules were changed and engines bigger than 5 litres were outlawed.
ModellingMaster, an outfit using 3D printing for quick prototyping, has put together a lovely kit of this most unlikely of race cars, including 4 doors and a trunk lid that could all be hinged if one were unhinged enough. The engine is very well detailed with wiring and injection plumbing molded in. Pictures are from the ModellingMaster FaceBook page; I've just started my own documentation. Stay tuned! Should be interesting.
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