A Brief History of Mercedes-AMG®

Mercedes-AMG® is one of the most iconic brands of performance luxury automobiles on the market today. Enthusiasts know how it continues to set the pace on global racetracks, while still delivering trademarked sophistication with every drive on the open road. Learn about the history of these standout models at Keyes European.

Early History

The Mercedes-AMG® brand came into being well after Mercedes-Benz, which was one of the pioneering automakers of the early automotive industry. In the 1960s, two Daimer-Benz engineers were developing a racing engine, before Daimer-Benz discontinued the focus on motorsports. But that didn’t stop them.

The engineers, Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher (the A and M of AMG®) continued to focus on motorsports in their spare time, and in 1965, one of their engines was used in a vehicle raced in the German Touring Car Championship. It went on to win 10 times.

In 1967, Aufrecht and Melcher founded their own engineering firm, the short name of which was AMG®, with the G standing for Großaspach, the village where they began. In 1971 their engine was showcased in the 24 Hours of Spa race, making the company a sensation.

Modern History

Over the 1970s and 1980s, the company continued to expand, eventually moving to manufacturing engines. In the 1980s, they became official partners with Daimer-Benz in motorsports. By the 1990s, AMG® products were sold through Daimer-Benz, and in 1993, they produced their first jointly developed vehicle.

Today, the two are completely integrated entities, and now compete in Formula One, as well as other racing events and circuits around the globe. However, their products still remain available to customers through new Mercedes-AMG® models, just as the original founders wanted.

Browse Mercedes-AMG® Models in Van Nuys, CA

When the time comes for a performance luxury vehicle, look no further than a Mercedes-AMG® model. Keyes European is just the dealership to help. Find a vehicle decades in the making with help from our expert team.