Mercedes-Benz quietly shelved a striking design concept inspired by the legendary “Red Pig” – a racing version of the 300 SEL developed by AMG in the early 1970s. The design, revealed by recently retired Mercedes-Benz design chief Gorden Wagener, showcases a bold reimagining of the iconic vehicle that never made it to production.
The Legacy of the “Red Pig”
The original 300 SEL 6.3 AMG, nicknamed “Rote Sau” (Red Pig) in German, emerged from AMG’s early days before its full integration with Mercedes-Benz. In 1971, AMG unexpectedly entered the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps with this modified luxury sedan, achieving a second-place finish. The car’s vivid color and massive size earned it the nickname that stuck, solidifying AMG’s reputation as a serious performance builder.
This unlikely race car took on the world’s best endurance racers, and the sheer absurdity of a full-size sedan competing in such an event is what made it memorable. It’s a story of engineering defiance, not just speed.
Wagener’s Modern Take
The concept design features an aggressive chrome grille, striking circular LED lights, and muscular bodywork. The front end is dominated by a square, illuminated grille reminiscent of the new GLC EV, flanked by yellow LED lights that echo the Mercedes-Benz star emblem. Circular auxiliary lights complete the look, with a simplified version of the Red Pig’s livery adorning the body.
Wagener’s vision was not simply about reviving an old design; it was about reinterpreting AMG’s early spirit of bold experimentation. The concept was never built, but it now exists as a testament to what could have been.
Why This Matters
The “Red Pig” concept highlights a broader trend in automotive design: the tension between heritage and innovation. Mercedes-Benz, like many automakers, often prioritizes profitability over radical design experiments. The decision to shelve this concept underscores how easily bold ideas can get lost in the corporate machine.
Ultimately, Wagener’s design serves as a reminder that the most compelling cars are often the ones that break the rules. Though unseen on roads, the “Red Pig” concept stands as a powerful symbol of what Mercedes-Benz could have achieved with a less conservative approach.
The design’s reveal through Wagener’s book, Iconic Design, ensures the legacy of this lost vision will endure.
