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Mercedes Celebrates 130 Years of Racing With “130Y” Race Car

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Throwback livery and interior details make this AMG GT race car worthy of the “Edition 130Y Motorsport” name.

Mercedes knows how to win a race or two. From Formula 1 to Le Mans, theres’s been a Mercedes on a racing circuit for a long time. And if you needed a reminder just how long the Benz boys have been up to this kind of stuff, well the “Edition 130Y Motorsport” is a delightful reminder according to AutoBlog.

To celebrate 130 years of racing, Mercedes picked a Mercedes race car from 72 years ago to emulate for their AMG customer racers. Well, considering the 300 SL is the spiritual starting point of the AMG GT, this all makes sense. And it was also a great looking car, with styling cues that happen to work perfectly on the $1,140,000 new race car.

Mercedes Celebrates 130 Years of Racing With

Outside, you’ll find the 130Y adorned with a silver paint, with two blue streaks of paint flowing from the headlights rearward. Whereas the classic 300 SL stopped right there with use of blue, the AMG GT utilizes other areas of real estate to continue the use of that hue. Namely, along the upper window frame, and the flanks, meeting at the back.

Mercedes Celebrates 130 Years of Racing With

Inside is where things get enticing. As you accidentally yank open the featherweight carbon fiber door with far too much force, you’re greeted with an astounding interior. Plaid seating surfaces are directly inspired by the Gullwing, and saddle leather headrest and steering wheel grips add to the period-look. The silver-faced steering wheel with “130Y” inscription adds a unique touch.

Mercedes Celebrates 130 Years of Racing With

Still, it’s a serious racer. And an un-restricted one at that. AMG’s usual GT3 is restricted by power and other factors to be fair to the competition. But not this one. All 6.3 liters of the 130Y’s V8 – yes, that one – can flow as much air as they wish. No inlet restrictors here. That means 671 thunderous horsepower are still on-tap. Aerodynamic tricks learned from F1 are also realized in the 130Y. A DRS system is applied to the rear wing, but also adjustable aerodynamic devices can better control the air under the car.

Lap times haven’t been posted just yet, but it would be interesting to see how an uncorked GT3 gets on with business. Till then, this 130Y is part of an interesting trend of manufacturers making track day specials. We’re not complaining. At all. But it would be cool to make one that costs less than a million bucks.

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