Learn More About the Mercedes-Benz AMG® Lineup
Learn
More About the History of AMG®
The
Mercedes-Benz AMG® performance brand has roots dating back to the mid-1960s.
Founded by Mercedes-Benz employees Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher in
1967, the brand initially developed racing engines, then racing vehicles
entering the 1970s.
The first
AMG® vehicle was a Mercedes-Benz 300 SE using a unique
sport-tuned engine developed by Aufrecht and Melcher, which led to the pair's
first racing victory in 1971. Using a 6.9-liter AMG® engine, a Mercedes-Benz
300 SEL won a class-based race and set the brand on its way to international
recognition.
In the
1970s, AMG® focused on developing high-performance engines and tuning for
vehicles in the European market. Aufrecht and Werner had a vision for
developing production cars using technology in motorsport, striking a balance
between every day and high performance. AMG® models developed in the 1970s and
1980s were based on Mercedes-Benz coupes and sedans, using AMG®-specific
engines and modifications for higher capability. Another significant milestone
came in 1978, when AMG® moved its headquarters and primary operations to
Affalterbach, Germany.
By the
mid-1980s, demand for AMG® vehicles spread internationally and the brand began
to develop a reputation as a leader for performance luxury vehicles. In 1995,
the first Mercedes-AMG® vehicle hit the US market: the Mercedes-Benz
C36 AMG®. At this point, there were three AMG® facilities in
operation, and over 400 employees.
In 1999,
Mercedes-AMG® merged to become a specific performance model
line of our brand. Gradually, AMG® specific model variants spread across our
lineup, ranging from compact sedans and coupes to convertibles, roadsters, wagons,
and SUVs. Today, the AMG® engine factory produces around 100 products a day,
and you can find AMG® specific versions of most vehicles in our lineup in Santa
Monica. W.I. Simonson offers a full selection of Mercedes-Benz AMG® performance
models, so visit us near Beverly Hills, Venice, and Marina Del Rey today to see
what we have in stock!
