AMG Mercedes-Benz | Enthusiasts
Hans-Werner Aufrecht (A) and his partner Erhard Melcher (M) founded AMG in 1967, and Aufrecht’s birthplace of Grossaspach (G) supplied the third letter in the company name.
40 Plus Years of High-Performance Mercedes-Benz Cars
From its beginnings now over 40 years ago as an independent racing and tuning firm for Mercedes cars, Mercedes-AMG has grown into a supplier of exclusive high-performance cars, now with some 600 employees, an extensive model range and customers around the world.
Now an integral part of the Mercedes-Benz family, Mercedes-AMG has become synonymous with factory-developed high-performance vehicles. Far more than a tuner or marketing division, Mercedes-AMG is a self-contained entity responsible for all aspects of its vehicles, from development and testing to marketing. Some aspects of vehicle production are shared with Mercedes-Benz facilities.
Hans-Werner Aufrecht (A) and his partner Erhard Melcher (M) founded AMG in 1967, and Aufrecht’s birthplace of Grossaspach (G) supplied the third letter in the company name. Both had been employees of Mercedes-Benz and officially described themselves as “engineering, design and testing specialists in the development of racing engines.” The fledgling firm initially based itself in an old mill in Burgstall (near Affalterbach).
Editor’s Note: We also have an article on The Early History of Mercedes-Benz AMG here. It includes a good story, which is said to be Friedrick Aufrecht’s story. Friedrick is the brother of AMG co-founder, Hans-Werner.
First Racing Victory in 1971
In its early years, AMG concentrated on building racing cars based on the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE sedan and competing in European touring car races. The first racing success came in 1971, when a Mercedes 300 SEL 6.3, modified by AMG with a 6.9-liter engine, 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 an enviable record on the track that has continued to this day and has formed a cornerstone of the AMG philosophy (see AMG racing history at end of this section).
International Clientele Fuels Growth
AMG’s success spread well beyond international motorsports. In the 1970s, the company began to offer high-performance tuning and individualization for Mercedes customers in Europe and other markets. The transfer of technology from motorsports into production cars already formed part of the company’s philosophy.
The company built its exclusive reputation by developing impressive technology and first-class quality on the back of its involvement in racing. AMG soon became the premiere Mercedes-Benz “tuner” in the world. Through the 1970s and 1980s, AMG developed a number of special high-performance models based on production Mercedes sedans and coupes. These vehicles incorporated high-power modified Mercedes engines and race-proven modifications to the chassis and brakes, AMG light-alloy wheels and wider tires, resulting in fully developed, well-rounded high performance packages.
Strong demand for performance Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the late 1970s led to a steady increase in the number of orders received by AMG. The company outgrew its facility in Burgstall and moved to Affalterbach in 1978. In 1985, AMG opened its second factory and hired its 100th employee. AMG was now attracting customers from all over the world, including building one-of-a-kind vehicles for international clients. This experience strengthened AMG’s reputation in the world of high-performance vehicles as builders of top-performance Mercedes-Benz cars.
As an industry pioneer and trendsetter, AMG became committed to achieving and retaining a position as a world leader in terms of technology, design, and sales. Though AMG cars did not become available in the U.S. market until 1995 when the C36 AMG debuted in the U.S. market, word of AMG vehicles had already made its way into the U.S. enthusiast press. Most famous perhaps was “The Hammer” – a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300E powered by a 360-hp 5.6-liter V8.
The signing of the cooperation agreement with DaimlerChrysler AG (then Daimler-Benz AG) in 1990 marked a turning point for AMG. Under the terms of the agreement, AMG products could be sold at Mercedes-Benz dealers in overseas markets, significantly improving customer acceptance. Further expansion led to the opening of a third facility in 1990, and an increase in the workforce to 400 employees.
AMG Comes to America
When the C-Class succeeded the 190 series in 1993, AMG unveiled the first vehicle jointly developed and born out of the agreement – the Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG, backed by a full Mercedes-Benz warranty and service organization. Initial demand for this 282-horsepower, six-cylinder screamer was limited by production to just under 1,000 cars over a three-year period.
In the U.S., the C36 AMG was followed in 1998 by the C43 AMG, the first V8-powered C-Class model. The 306-hp 4.3-liter V8 could rocket the C43 from 0-60 mph in just six seconds. Customers clamored for more AMG models, so Mercedes-Benz and AMG responded with the E55 AMG, a 349-hp powerhouse that blended super-car performance with four-door Mercedes comfort. Fueled by this customer interest, AMG developed an array of top performance Mercedes-Benz models from the growing palette of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. AMG’s brand success culminated during 1998 when DaimlerChrysler acquired a majority ownership in the company.
U.S. customer interest in AMG models increased steadily, with sales of 7,500 AMG models in 2001. During 2002, the strategy of offering an AMG model as the top performance Mercedes-Benz in every model line was achieved with the introduction of the SL55 AMG – the first SL roadster AMG offered in the U.S. The source of the SL55 AMG’s power, a new supercharged 5.5-liter Kompressor V8 was also installed in revised versions of the S55 AMG and CL55 AMG launched in late 2002. For 2004, AMG debuted the new SLK55, C55, and G55 as well as the AMG V12 models, the SL65 and CL65, the most powerful AMG models to date.
The United States is now the largest market in the world for AMG vehicles, with an over 40 percent share. The latest generation of AMG models available in the U.S. includes:
- C55 AMG sedan with 362-hp 5.5-liter V8
- E55 AMG sedan with 469-hp supercharged 5.5-liter V8
- S55 AMG sedan with 493-hp supercharged 5.5-liter V8
- S65 AMG sedan with 604-hp twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12
- SL55 AMG roadster with 493-hp supercharged 5.5-liter V8
- SL65 AMG roadster with 604-hp twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12
- SLK55 AMG roadster with 355-hp 5.5-liter V8
- CLK55 AMG cabriolet with 362-hp 5.5-liter V8
- CL55 AMG coupe with 493-hp supercharged 5.5-liter V8
- CL65 AMG coupe with 604-hp twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12
- G55 AMG SUV with 469-hp supercharged 5.5-liter V8
- CLS55 AMG coupe with 469-hp supercharged 5.5-liter V8
With such a diverse model offering and the most powerful models in its history, AMG is poised to deliver Mercedes-Benz high performance and driving enjoyment to enthusiasts.
Mercedes-AMG Today
On January 1, 1999, H.W. Aufrecht sold a majority shareholding in AMG, and the company was incorporated into DaimlerChrysler AG (DCAG). This move allowed the newly founded Mercedes-AMG to benefit to an even greater extent from DCAG’s resources and global presence. The highly specialized subsidiary has overall responsibility for the engine, transmission, chassis, brakes, aerodynamics, interior, design and sales and marketing of AMG-badged cars.
Growth of the Mercedes-AMG product line has been supported by the opening of new production, development and showroom buildings at its Affalterbach plant. The engine factory, showroom and two development buildings, built and operational in 2003, have more than doubled the space of the facility from 199,000 to 426,000 square feet. Employment at Mercedes-AMG currently numbers over 600.
One Man, One Engine
The centerpiece of the recent expansion is the new engine factory, which produces 100 engines a day for the entire range of Mercedes-AMG vehicles. Work takes place on three floors across a total area of 107,000 square feet, and about 45 highly qualified master technicians work in the new facility.
Mercedes-AMG follows a philosophy of “one man, one engine.” This means that a single technician – identified by the signature plate affixed to the engine – is responsible for the complete assembly of an AMG high-performance engine from start to finish. After a technician assembles an engine, it is individually tested and then moved to a storage facility on the upper level. Flexible manufacturing processes allow the factory to quickly adjust for changes in demand for the various AMG models. A computerized data management system continuously optimizes engine inventory.
In addition to engine manufacturing, the new production facility is home to plant equipment management, quality control, production planning, and ordering and parts logistics departments.
The Showroom
The 8,000-square-foot AMG showroom in Affalterbach, a striking piece of steel/glass architecture in its own right, offers ample room both for hosting worldwide customers and for displaying eight AMG models.
Large-format vehicle images displayed on the front of the building serve a dual purpose, acting as a dramatic signpost and business card for the new AMG showroom and also functioning as sun and heat shields for people inside.
AMG Racing Success
- 1980: An AMG Mercedes 450 SLC takes first place in the European Touring Car Championship Grand Prix race at the Nürburgring.
- 1986: An AMG Mercedes 190 E 2.3-16 records two victories in the German Touring Car Championship (DTM).
- 1988: The AMG Mercedes 190 E 2.3-16 takes four wins in the German Touring Car Championship (DTM); Mercedes-Benz and AMG begin an official partnership in motorsports.
- 1989: AMG is the most successful team in the DTM, with Klaus Ludwig and Johnny Cecotto notching up seven race wins at the wheel of the AMG Mercedes 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution I.
- 1990: Premiere of the more powerful 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II.
- 1991: AMG Mercedes finishes at the top of the team standings and Klaus Ludwig is the most successful driver. Mercedes-Benz takes the manufacturers’ title. The DTM is at the height of its popularity, with the races attracting an audience of over 153 million.
- 1992: AMG Mercedes again takes the team honors and Mercedes-Benz the manufacturers’ crown. Klaus Ludwig is the DTM champion driving an AMG Mercedes 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II. Ellen Lohr becomes the fist woman to win a round of the DTM – at the wheel of an AMG Mercedes – while former Formula 1 World Champion Keke Rosberg also drives for the team.
- 1993: Roland Asch finishes runner-up in the DTM in an AMG Mercedes. This proves to be the farewell season for the AMG Mercedes 190 E, the winner of 50 races.
- 1994: The new AMG Mercedes C-Class lines up on the starting grid, powered by a six-cylinder engine. Klaus Ludwig again takes the DTM crown.
- 1995: AMG wins the DTM championship for the third time, as well as the international ITC series in its debut year. The drivers’ champion on each occasion is Bernd Schneider.
- 1996: Bernd Schneider drives an AMG Mercedes to second place in the ITC.
- 1997: The new Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR, built by AMG in only 128 days, takes Bernd Schneider to the inaugural FIA GT Championship title.
- 1998: AMG Mercedes dominates the FIA-GT series, with Klaus Ludwig and Ricardo Zonta winning all 11 races and the drivers’ championship in the CLK-GTR. AMG-Mercedes cruises to the constructors’ title.
- 2000: In the first year of the new DTM (German Touring Car Masters) series, AMG clinches the championship title with Bernd Schneider at the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz CLK-DTM.
- 2001: A repeat of the previous year with Bernd Schneider driving his Mercedes-Benz CLK-DTM to the drivers’ championship crown and AMG taking the team title.
- 2002: The excitement of the DTM continues with the new CLK-DTM. Former Formula 1 star Jean Alesi makes the switch to Team AMG Mercedes after 201 Grand Prix races.
- 2003: Bernd Schneider yet again clinches the driver’s championship as Team AMG Mercedes once again brings glory home in the DTM series.
- 2004: Gary Paffett is runner-up in the DTM driver championship, and Team AMG Mercedes wins half of the series events.
- 2005: Team AMG Mercedes is again a contender for the championship, with Gary Paffett, Jean Alesi and Mika Hakkinen fighting for the top positions.
The AMG Safety Car
Mercedes-AMG was represented in the Formula 1 World Championship by the SL55 AMG (official safety car) and C32 AMG station wagon (Medical Car) in 2003. The current Formula One safety car is the new SLK55 AMG Roadster. The company was also involved in international polo as a team sponsor.
In 1999, the motorsports department was absorbed into company founder Hans-Werner Aufrecht’s new firm H.W.A., located close to Mercedes-AMG. Some 170 staff now works together with Mercedes-Benz Motorsport to build racing cars and to manage the two companies’ long-standing involvement in the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) race series.
About Mercedes-Benz USA Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the US. In 2004, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 221,610 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 11 consecutive years of sales growth.
More information on MBUSA can be found at http://www.mbusa.com/ and http://www.maybachusa.com/.
MBUSA News Media Contacts
Rob Moran 201-573-2245; Michelle Murad 201-573-4320
AMG Market | Mercedes-Benz Enthusiasts
Media Contact: Greg Magnus, AMGMarket.com, 804-723-9160
26 comments
All Things Mercedes - Mercedes-Benz Enthusiasts says:
May 10, 2006
[…] Rob started his presentation with the history of AMG. How the small company started out as an independent racing and tuning firm for Mercedes cars prior to majority ownership by Daimler-Chrysler. Then he moved on to the current state of manufacturing and today’s production techniques. […]
tony chavez says:
Jul 6, 2006
it would be interesting to offer some information with regards to older model history and development, perhaps some old factory photos and company literature. The new cars are nice but the older W123, W124, W201, 126 etc deserve more attention. just an opinion…
great web site!
Greg says:
Jul 7, 2006
Tony,
Thanks for the comment. Agreed! We need to post more info on the older models and there is plenty of it around.
I’ll see what I can come up with, but don’t hestitate to post anything you find also. Thanks again.
Rich says:
Aug 11, 2006
I recently bought a 1966 Mercedes 300SE AMG 6.3 Coupe. Where could I find information on its history. I was told it has AMG’s stage 1 modifications. Can you point me in the right direction? Thank you.
Greg says:
Aug 11, 2006
Rich,
I’ll have to do some digging to answer your question.
AMG was founded in 1967 as AMG Motorenbau und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH (AMG Engine Production and Development, Ltd.).
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, AMG entered the big Mercedes 300 SEL 6.3 V8 sedan in the Spa 24 Hours and the European Touring Car Championship.
There isn’t much history to be found for 1966, but I have a few contacts that might be able to help us on this one. I’ll let you know what I find out.
– Greg
Yah Mz Yahi says:
Aug 20, 2006
I am in the market for a MB W124 1994 E500 and would appreciate some help with the purchase.
I need some guidance regarding the specific methods of evaluating and ascertaining the condition of the vehicle.
CarFax is obviously an initial or cursory start, yet I would like to be able to know the actual and specific condition of the vehicle based upon knowing what to examine.
Even if I have to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer or expert MB mechanic, I still would like to be sufficiently versed so that I know what the mechanic is talking about, can make informed decisions regarding the cars maintenance and I am knowledgable of what I am acquiring.
The more informed and educated I become about the vehicle, the more prepared I will be to maintain the vehicle in excellent mechanical condition.
Of course, I will maintain the care and appearance of the vehicle as if it were a living and breathing entity…
In need of help…
Respectfully,
Yah Mz…
Greg says:
Aug 21, 2006
Yah,
The E500 is a great car. I know someone that recently purchased one and maybe he can provide guidance to you. Where are you located?
Update: Thanks for the email. I sent your contact info to my friend, Chuck. He has a 1992 E500 and he is extremely knowledgeable concerning Mercedes. You can expect a phone call or email from Chuck. Let me know how it goes and feel free to post another comment on the AMG blog.
Yah Mz Yahi says:
Aug 22, 2006
Greg…
Chuck contacted me and we began to develope rapport with ease.
I genuinely appreciate the referral and will stay in touch.
– Yah Mz
AMG Mercedes-Benz | Enthusiasts says:
Nov 24, 2006
[…] Read about the history of AMG – – – – – – – – – – AMG, amg news, amg owners, eoecho.com, mbusa, MBUSA News, Mercedes Benz, mercedes benz amg Filed under MBUSA News, AMG by Greg. Permalink • Print • Email • Comment […]
Andy says:
Nov 27, 2006
I am looking for a used AMG body kit for my w124… Damaged, whatever. I just want it cheap. I know that isn’t likely to happen, but if anybody knows somebody shoot me an e-mail. Thanks.
Greg says:
Nov 28, 2006
Andy,
I noticed you are here in Richmond, VA. Try Potomac German Auto at: http://www.pgauto.com (Ph: 800-831-7686).
They are located in Frederick, MD and they have a large supply of MB parts.
Mike Claudatos says:
Dec 5, 2006
I recently purchased an E55 AMG 2002 from a close friend and I must say that this vehicle must be one of the best motor cars that man has ever made.
They are truely immaculate in every aspect of todays motor vehicles….and I would now find it impossible to ever drive anything other than Mercedes AMG again.
Greg says:
Dec 6, 2006
Mike,
You made a great choice. Glad to hear you are enjoying the E55 AMG. Let us know if there is anything we can provide to enhance your enjoyment of the car! Thanks.
Steven McVay says:
Jan 28, 2007
Very Good Article, but you seem to have left out the 2002-2004 (US) SLK32 AMG. It is listed in a dozen or more web sites as one of the fastest cars in the world from 0-60 (Car & Driver 4.5 Seconds), Mercedes-Benz Official Website (4.8 Seconds). Even though the V6 Compressor (349HP) is in the “old” SLK body, it still performs as well as the “new” SL55. Seems like there could have been a mention of the SLK32 AMG as the first AMG SLK Model ever produced.
Greg says:
Jan 29, 2007
Steve,
2007 marks the 10th Anniversary of the Mercedes-Benz SLK. It was introduced to the US market on September 7, 1997 as a 1998 model and was available in Europe during 1997.
An article outlining the history and chronology of feature changes for the Mercedes-Benz SLK was recently published in a friend’s newsletter. We are in the process of republishing the info here on this blog.
You can subscriber to the blog and automatically get the info when it is published; it’s free and your privacy is protected by our delivery service. See the subscription box, top right.
Steven McVay says:
Jan 29, 2007
Thanks for the Information. I will join. Yes, I own a 2002 SLK32 AMG Designo Silver Edition (30K Miles) with every option known to man. My error in in response before, I meant to say that it still performs as well as the new SLK55. I have owned many US Muscle carsw in my 54 years which included a Big Block 65 Corvette (396 CI), bought a new 1970 Mustang Boss 302, just sold a 1966 Corvette with the L79 Option (327CI/350HP) and have just recently (one year ago) sold my 2002 Mustang SVT Cobra. Many more classic muscle cars to mention, but the SLK32 AMG is by far the fastest most luxury filled car I have ever owned and it handles like it is one rails. The only problems I have found (not with the car) is finding Designo Interior parts (OEM floor mats, etc). If you know of anyone out there (websites) that offer Designo or AMG OEM stuff for the SLK32, please let me know. Thanks and happy motoring.
Steve
Romy says:
Feb 15, 2007
I just recently Bought a 2002 E55 AMG Designo Silver, 550 E55’s were shipped to US that year. Hell of a car(0-60 in 4.99), , After owning a 94′ E320, there is no going back to quality sadly, but im especially no going back to a non-AMG model. My Suggestion is a E500 94-95 if you dare find one.
willard tredway says:
Apr 11, 2007
I recently purchased a 1981 500 SLC (homologation model for MBenz’s qualification for the Euro rally series). The car was delivered in Hamburg and eventully made its way through at least 3 previous owners to me in Houston, Texas. The car has AMG ground effects panels and a complete “white-out” paint job of exceptional quality.
I am trying to research the history on the car and would like to know if there is a website for AMG that might have information on their work on european cars during the early-mid 1980’s. I know that their ground effects panels and air dams were widely available as after market add-ons but, on the off chance they did this work in their shop, it would certainly enhance the provenance of the car.
I’ve run the traps at the 107026 group with no luck.
I would appreciate any help, comments, etc.
Thank you,
Willard Tredway
__________________
Willard Tredway
1981 500 SLC
1989 560 SL
1991 560 SEC
1994 E500
Greg says:
Apr 11, 2007
Willard,
That’s going to be challenging info to gather. I haven’t found much documentation for the late 1970’s or early 1980’s.
Demand was strong for AMGs in the late 70’s and the company moved from Burgstall to Affalterbach in 1978. Given they were in a new location there might be info available. I’ll ask around and let you know if I find anything but don’t hold your breath on this one.
steve says:
Apr 28, 2007
I own a 2002 slk 32amg, with 24000 miles, great car stays in garage until spring, never seen snow or road salt. Will keep this car. Lots of power and style.
Richard Lum says:
Jun 16, 2007
What information is there about 1988 560sec Stage 2 AMG? There’s one for sale in my area and was curious about the techical specs of the vehicle over the stock version. I would appreciate help in this regard
mark says:
Dec 14, 2007
I own a 96 sl600 amg and was wondering where to find parts
saj says:
Dec 15, 2007
hi,is there a dtm kit for my e55 amg, i would love to have one on, and where to find one and the cost… thank you
Roger Reid says:
Feb 9, 2008
Do you have any information on the 1989 AMG DOHC/6.0?
ashley says:
Sep 24, 2008
Im a young girl……..who has a slk 32 amg….I remember working with a guy who had the same car and when i told him non-chalantly that I had the same car he looked at me in disbelief and asked “are you sure its an AMG?” I said…”oh yea”….I think i bought that car used off the lot faster than a pair of shoes……..Looks brand new, never in salt, or winter–stored the entire time……..you wouldnt know the difference expect the body styles are different….It goes so fast, i love that feeling……I just blew out two tires…..they replaced them with two new Michelin tires, as the other ones were discontinued….Cant say that Im a big fan of them..but then again, I also need to replace the other two tires as well
Love that car…..although right now Im struggling to pay for that and my C300…….but….Im not giving it up…….I will work extra hard……..
Ed Whitacre Instructs Cadillac to Build a RWD Flagship! - Page 27 - GM Inside News Forum says:
Jul 24, 2010
[…] Originally Posted by Dr. Show-Me Paul you wrote: "The current S Class began in 1971 with the 380SE, a new engine design, packaging, and new interiors were designed. The chassis was race proven and the steering given attention for balance and alignment" Please indicate what racing MB did with its 1971 and earlier S-Class precedent? The S Class was built on the W126 platform. In fact in 1971 AMG had Mercedes Benz first win. See link attached: http://www.eoecho.com/allthingsmerce…mercedes-benz/ […]