- Wagener revealed a concept inspired by the 300 SEL 6.8 AMG.
- The retro-futuristic model appears in the book Iconic Design.
- It was likely created as a styling exercise, not for production.
Gorden Wagener may have stepped down as Chief Design Officer of Mercedes, but judging by his latest social media post, he is not exactly clearing out his desk emotionally. The longtime design boss just unveiled a previously unseen concept that reimagines one of the most iconic racing sedans of the ’70s.
The renderings pay tribute to the 1971 Mercedes 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, better known by its nickname, “Red Pig,” a race car that effectively launched the AMG story 28 years before Mercedes acquired a controlling stake in the company in 1999.
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Although the automaker has not officially unveiled the concept, it appears in the book Iconic Design by Gorden Wagener, Thomas Ammann, and Marc-Stefan Andres, published by Delius Klasing in November 2025. Wagener offered little in the way of explanation, describing it only as the “unseen Showcar,” complete with a capital S, as if that alone should answer all questions.
If we had to guess, this looks like one of those secret styling exercises that sat quietly in the company’s vault for years instead of ever facing the bright lights of an auto show floor.
Retro Form Meets Modern Detail
Gorden Wagener / Instagram
The Showcar’s exterior blends classic Mercedes proportions with contemporary surfacing and lighting technology. Up front, a massive chrome grille echoes the design language seen on the new GLC EQ, a look that likely previews cues for all future models. It is flanked by vertically stacked headlights and additional LED rings mounted low on the bumper.
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The sculpted bodywork and aerodynamic greenhouse, inspired by recent Mercedes and AMG concepts, lend it a retro-futuristic edge. At the same time, the vintage splitter, racing livery, and five-spoke alloy wheels shod in AMG-branded tires give it a sporty stance. Another highlight is the low-mounted full-width LED taillights, joined by LED rings on the rear diffuser.
From some angles, it also brings to mind a sportier interpretation of the one-off Mercedes-Benz S600 Royale, a mysterious custom retro-modern creation.
While some fans might enjoy imagining these lines shaping a future S-Class, it is fairly obvious this was never meant for production. As a result, there are no technical specifications to pore over and no powertrain details to debate, just a design study free from the usual engineering constraints.
Racing Pedigree Revisited
The original “Rote Sau” secured a class win and finished second overall at the 1971 24 Hours of Spa, competing against significantly lighter race cars. It was based on the W109 luxury sedan that preceded the S-Class and featured widened fenders, extra headlights, lowered suspension, and an upgraded engine paired with a five-speed manual gearbox.
Mercedes
Its 6.8-liter V8 produced 428 hp (315 kW / 422 PS), enabling the 1,635 kg (3,605 lbs) sedan to reach a top speed of 265 km/h (165 mph). The Red Pig’s performance cemented AMG’s reputation in its formative years, even if few could have predicted how deeply the brand would later intertwine with Mercedes.
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The original race car is believed to have been scrapped after retirement and a subsequent stint as a test rig for aerospace firm Matra. In 2006, however, Mercedes built a faithful replica using a donor 300 SEL 6.3-liter chassis, guided by original blueprints and period photographs.