Los Angeles-based S Klub LA has carved a niche for itself by creating some of the most imaginative and visually stunning automotive builds in the world. With a passion for blending classic car design with modern performance, S Klub LA is known for taking iconic vehicles and reinterpreting them in ways that pay homage to automotive history while also pushing boundaries. Their projects often balance nostalgia with innovation, capturing the essence of legendary vehicles while infusing them with modern engineering.

On full display at SEMA 2024, S Klub LA’s latest masterpiece—a C63s-based tribute to the iconic “Red Pig”—demonstrates their dedication to preserving automotive heritage in a contemporary package. This isn’t just another custom build; it’s a tribute to a car that played a pivotal role in AMG’s history. By recreating the Red Pig with modern underpinnings and retro styling, S Klub LA has created something that resonates deeply with both classic car enthusiasts and modern performance fans alike.

The Original Red Pig: AMG’s Racing Pioneer

To understand why this Red Pig tribute is so special, it’s essential to know the story behind the original car. In the early 1970s, a humble Mercedes-Benz sedan became a legend on the racing circuit thanks to AMG, a small but passionate tuning company that would eventually grow into the powerhouse we know today. The original “Red Pig” was a heavily modified Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3, which AMG transformed into a racing machine. The 300 SEL was known for being a luxury sedan, not a race car, but AMG saw potential in its powerful V8 engine.

With extensive modifications, AMG turned the Red Pig into a high-performance beast. It was fitted with a larger 6.8-liter V8 engine, massive fender flares, and a reinforced chassis to handle the rigors of racing. The Red Pig made its mark at the 1971 24 Hours of Spa, where it defied expectations by finishing second overall. This success put AMG on the map and signaled the beginning of what would become a legendary partnership with Mercedes-Benz. The Red Pig wasn’t just a car—it was the first chapter in AMG’s story, establishing a reputation for taking luxury cars and turning them into performance monsters.

The Red Pig’s legacy lies in its unconventional approach to racing. It wasn’t a sleek, lightweight sports car; it was a bulky, powerful sedan that proved to the world that AMG could build serious performance machines. For many automotive enthusiasts, the Red Pig represents the rebellious spirit of AMG, a company that dared to think outside the box and succeeded against the odds. It’s an icon of motorsport history, and undoubtedly one of the many reasons S Klub LA’s decided to pay homage to it with a modern tribute.

The Red Pig Tribute: A Fusion of Retro and Modern

S Klub LA’s tribute to the Red Pig is based on the Mercedes-AMG C63s, a car that already boasts impressive performance credentials. However, S Klub LA has taken this modern powerhouse and transformed it into something unique—an homage to the original Red Pig that combines retro aesthetics with contemporary technology and interior. The result is a car that looks like it belongs in the 1970s but drives like a modern performance vehicle.

The exterior of S Klub LA’s Red Pig tribute is a work of art, blending design elements from the original 300 SEL 6.3 with the aggressive styling cues of the much more modern AMGs. The car features wide fender flares, reminiscent of the original Red Pig’s extended wheel arches, giving it a muscular, planted stance. Painted in a deep red that echoes the iconic color of AMG’s racing legend, the car captures the visual spirit of the original while making a bold statement on its own. Every detail has been carefully considered, from the retro-inspired wheels to the custom badging that pays homage to AMG’s legacy.

Underneath the vintage-inspired bodywork, however, is a thoroughly modern machine. The C63s is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, producing more than enough horsepower to honor the spirit of the original Red Pig. The modern chassis, suspension, and braking systems ensure that this tribute car can handle like a contemporary AMG, blending power and control in a way that the original Red Pig could only dream of. This fusion of retro styling with modern performance engineering is what makes S Klub LA’s Red Pig tribute truly remarkable. You can see more detail in Car and Drivers breakdown video below.

A Fitting Tribute to a Motorsport Icon

In a world where modernization and retro builds are popular, S Klub LA’s Red Pig stands out for its authenticity and craftsmanship. This is not a simple restomod—it’s a thoughtful reimagining that captures the original Red Pig’s rebellious spirit while offering the reliability, comfort, and power of a modern AMG. By taking the essence of the original Red Pig and recreating it on a modern platform, S Klub LA has bridged the gap between past and present, reminding us of where AMG started and how far it has come. This tribute car honors AMG’s roots while showcasing the advancements in automotive technology that make today’s performance cars more capable than ever.

For fans of AMG, motorsport, and automotive history, S Klub LA’s Red Pig tribute is a reminder of where it all began. It’s a car that bridges generations, honoring the past while embracing the future. In an age where classic car tributes are everywhere, this Red Pig stands out as a thoughtfully crafted, expertly executed homage to one of AMG’s greatest legends. It’s a car that carries the soul of a motorsport icon into the modern era, ensuring that the legacy of the original Red Pig lives on for years to come.