Former Mercedes-Benz chief designer Gorden Wagener has unveiled a striking modern interpretation of the iconic 300 SEL “Red Pig” race car. The concept, described as an “unseen show car,” updates the historic racer with current Mercedes design elements before Wagener’s recent departure.
A Modern Take on a Racing Legend
The reimagined “Red Pig” retains the spirit of the original while incorporating contemporary styling cues. The classic stacked headlights are replaced with the brand’s signature three-pointed star motif, and a prominent chrome version of the “Iconic Grille”—first seen on the Vision Iconic concept and the latest GLC—dominates the front fascia. Modern aerodynamic features, including a front splitter, side skirts, and a rear diffuser, enhance the car’s aggressive stance. Subtle round running lights accent the front and rear, adding a touch of futuristic flair.
Blending Heritage with Innovation
The design departs from the blocky roofline and rear end of the original 300 SEL, opting for a curvier silhouette inspired by the earlier “Ponton” saloon from the 1950s. This suggests a deliberate effort to connect the new design with Mercedes’ deeper automotive history.
The livery pays homage to the car’s 1971 Spa 24 Hours appearance but replaces real sponsor logos with fictional equivalents—for example, substituting Castrol with “Carlsbad,” a nod to Mercedes’ advanced design studio in California. This playful detail underscores the concept’s speculative nature.
Why This Matters: Standing Out in a Crowded Market
Mercedes’ willingness to explore retro-modern designs like this, along with the Vision Iconic concept, highlights the brand’s strategy to differentiate itself from the growing wave of new Chinese competitors. Wagener previously emphasized the importance of “respect” in Mercedes’ new design language, stating that customers deserve a product that reflects their success.
“You deserve some respect if you buy a Mercedes… You’ve made something out of yourself and you’ve been successful in life, so you deserve some respect for that.”
The move suggests that Mercedes aims to leverage its heritage to reinforce its premium brand identity in an increasingly competitive landscape. While concrete plans for retro-modern road cars remain uncertain, the concept signals an appetite within the design team to honor the brand’s legacy.
Bastian Baudy, formerly head of design for Mercedes-AMG, has succeeded Wagener after his 28-year tenure with the company. The future direction of Mercedes design will likely build upon these themes of heritage and distinction.
