Mercedes Secret Mercedes from the Vault: The Return of the Legendary Red Pig
A hidden gem has emerged from Mercedes’ design archives, bringing fresh attention to one of the most storied names in automotive racing history. Former design chief Gorden Wagener recently shared images of an unseen showcar that reimagines the iconic 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, forever known as the Red Pig. This concept appeared in his book ‘Iconic Design’, published toward the end of 2025, and it captures the spirit of the original while blending in contemporary styling touches. The project stayed under wraps for years as a pure design exploration with no intention of reaching production or even a public debut. Enthusiasts now get a glimpse of how Mercedes might have updated its legendary racing heritage.
The original Red Pig dates back to 1971, when AMG transformed the luxurious Mercedes 300 SEL limousine into a formidable race car. Engineers enlarged the V8 to 6.8 liters, boosting output to 428 horsepower and 620 Nm of torque in a vehicle weighing around 3,600 pounds. Despite its massive size and luxury roots, the car surprised everyone by finishing second overall and claiming class victory at the 24 Hours of Spa. That performance launched AMG onto the international stage, setting the foundation for its eventual close partnership with Mercedes. The vivid red paint combined with the car’s bulky proportions earned it the affectionate German nickname Rote Sau, or Red Pig. After its racing days, the original was dismantled and used for aircraft tire testing, though Mercedes later recreated a faithful replica in 2006.
This new concept pays homage without copying every detail from the past. It keeps the classic long-wheelbase proportions of the old S-Class platform but adds modern surfaces, aggressive fenders, and sporty spoilers for better aerodynamics. The front end boasts a large chrome grille reminiscent of recent electric models, vertical lighting elements, and extra LED rings in the bumper that echo the three-pointed star motif. At the rear, a slim full-width LED light bar stretches across the trunk, paired with distinctive diffuser accents. Vintage racing graphics mix with futuristic cues, creating a bridge between eras. Distinctive AMG wheels and a bold stance give it the muscular presence fans associate with the legend.
Wagener described the piece as an unseen showcar, emphasizing its role as a creative exercise free from real-world production limits. No engine specs or performance figures exist because the focus remains purely on visual reinterpretation. The design evokes earlier one-off Mercedes projects while nodding to AMG’s roots in turning unlikely sedans into track weapons. It reminds everyone how a heavy luxury car once outran purpose-built racers through sheer power and ingenuity. The reveal highlights Mercedes’ ongoing respect for its performance history, even in digital or conceptual form.
What do you think of this modern take on the Red Pig—would you love to see something like it built for real, or is the original legend best left untouched? Share your thoughts in the comments.
