Former Mercedes Design Chief Secretly Rebuilds Iconic AMG "Red Pig" Supercar

Gorden Wagener, former Chief Design Officer at Mercedes-Benz, recently posted a series of images on Instagram showcasing his modern reinterpretation of the legendary 1971 AMG race car, the “Red Pig.” Originally based on the W109 S-Class and powered by a 6.8-liter V8 engine, the iconic racer secured a class victory and finished second overall at the 24 Hours of Spa before being destroyed during aircraft landing gear tests conducted by France’s Matra company. The original car no longer exists, though Mercedes-Benz recreated a replica in the mid-2000s using original blueprints. Wagener’s updated “Red Pig” retains the classic five-spoke wheels while incorporating contemporary design elements such as LED light rings and the three-pointed star emblem. This concept appears in his new book, *Iconic Design*. Although there are no plans for production, it offers AMG enthusiasts a compelling “what-if” tribute to an automotive legend.