The year 1967 marks a pivotal moment in automotive history, the inception of AMG, founded by former Daimler-Benz engineers Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher. Driven by a shared passion for engine tuning and motorsport, they embarked on a journey to enhance Mercedes-Benz vehicles, initially focusing on race configurations. Their early endeavors, such as the formidable “Red Pig,” a modified Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL, which competed in the 1971 24 Hours of Spa, quickly garnered attention. It wasn’t long before Mercedes-Benz owners, both those seeking on-road thrills and track prowess, began requesting AMG’s expertise for their personal vehicles. Among these early adopters was the first owner of a remarkable 1967 Mercedes 230.
In March 1966, Herr Werner Kurras placed an order for a second-series 230 ‘Fintail’ through the official Mercedes-Benz dealership Kirstein & Sauer GmbH in Bielefeld. His order, priced at 20,912 Deutsche Mark, specified a Graphite Grey exterior paired with a Light Grey Leather interior. By 1967, chassis number 026864 was delivered, equipped with a 2.3-liter engine producing 120 horsepower. Herr Kurras clearly enjoyed his Mercedes 230, accumulating 109,524 kilometers by June 1972. However, a desire for enhanced performance led him to entrust his vehicle to AMG for a significant performance upgrade.
AMG’s modifications were substantial, designed to elevate the 1967 Mercedes 230 beyond its original capabilities. The upgrades included the installation of a new cylinder head, performance camshafts, and a redesigned intake manifold. Engine displacement was increased to 2.8 liters, significantly boosting power output. Beyond engine enhancements, AMG addressed handling and braking. A new rear axle with a longer gear ratio was fitted, Bilstein shock absorbers were installed, and modifications were made to the front axle. The brake system also received upgrades to ensure it could effectively manage the increased power.
Invoices from AMG, preserved within the car’s history file, document the transformed 1967 Mercedes 230 producing a reported 185 horsepower upon leaving the AMG workshop in Burgstetten. These extensive modifications amounted to 17,711.95 Deutsche Mark, nearly equaling the original purchase price of the car seven years prior. Herr Kurras meticulously documented the car’s transformation and history in a timeline, which accompanies the vehicle. After selling the car in 1980, it was acquired by the current owner approximately two years later, who has cherished it for over four decades.
This 1967 Mercedes 230, chassis 026864, holds a distinguished place in AMG history. Recognized in AMG 45: The Story – The Cars by Becker, Bolsinger, and Clauss, it is considered one of the earliest road-going Mercedes-Benz vehicles to bear the prestigious AMG badge. Today, this car stands as a significant artifact of both AMG and Mercedes-Benz heritage, presented by its third owner after an impressive 40 years of continuous ownership, representing a unique opportunity to own a piece of automotive history.
