A superb period paddock photograph of the legendary AMG Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 #35 at the 1971 Spa 24 Hours at Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium.Driven by Hans Heyer and Clemens Schickentanz, the enormous V8-powered Mercedes became one of the sensations of the race. Against lighter purpose-built touring cars, the privately prepared AMG Mercedes remarkably finished second overall and first in its class after 24 hours of racing.The 300 SEL 6.8 was based on Mercedes-Benz's luxurious W109 saloon but was transformed by AMG for competition, using a heavily developed 6.8-litre V8 producing around 420 hp. Its size and weight earned it the famous nickname “Red Pig”, while its extraordinary performance at Spa brought the young AMG operation international recognition.This photograph is particularly evocative, showing the #35 being manoeuvred through the informal Spa paddock before or around the race, complete with its distinctive AMG, Camel and H&R competition markings.The #35 completed 308 laps, finishing behind the winning Ford Capri RS2600 of Dieter Glemser and Àlex Soler-Roig.An important original image of the car whose remarkable Spa performance became a defining moment in AMG motorsport history.Original period black-and-white motorsport photograph – Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium, July 1971