A Mercedes 300 SEL ‘Red Pig” will be auctioned next month in Paris. It is not the real thing though, but a replica that could almost trick any enthusiast.
The Mercedes 300 SEL ‘Red Pig’ of 1969 featured a 6.8-liter engine, instead of the 6.3 unit, churning out approximately 420 horsepower. Aluminum doors and flared wheel arches, large enough to host wider tracks and larger tires, also requested by the customer, together with a racing suspension were the details that made it almost invincible.
The AMG turned out to be a winner in its class in 1971 at the 24 Hours of Spa, finishing second overall, having started 5th on the grid, despite competing against lighter and more agile opponents.
The original car is long gone, but several replicas have been created along the years to celebrate the ‘Red Pig’ and the early days of the AMG racing success and to make collectors rejoice.
The one that will go under hammer next month in Paris was designed by Arthur Bechtel Classic Motors in Germany. With only 500 miles (less than 800 kilometers) on the odometer since its restoration, the Mercedes 300 SEL ‘Red Pig’ is a precious ruby on wheels, in mint condition. It only had two previous owners, as it was purchased by James Goo Kim, CEO of D.Parts of South Korea, directly from Arthur Bechtel.
The future owner will take a seat in the leather bucket seat. There is an integrated roll cage and four-point harnesses to provide the driver with a real racing feeling. The car runs on 15-inch alloy wheels shod in 235-section tires.
The luxury racing sedan will be actioned at the RM Sotheby’s auction scheduled for the 5th of February in Paris.
