AMG came on in a big way in the late 60s by building exquisite racing engines. By the mid-70s they were tuning select Mercedes-Benz models into absolute beasts. The combination of a fierce engine and finely tuned suspension mods with more aggressive bodywork led to more than a few unsuspecting drivers wondering what the devil had just passed them.
Mercedes-Benz was amongst those who noticed and appreciated the meticulous results and gradually acquired the company. By 2005 AMG was an integral part of the wilder side of Mercedes-Benz.
Also growing in range and performance, in 1982 Co-Hog Toys transitioned from the strong foundation of the original eighteen chunky models to the first group of more adult Special Editions with proportions and graphics more like their 1:1 counterpart.
Co-Hog’s Mercedes-Benz 380SEC AMG edition followed our own factory 380SEC with this subtle interpretation which had the addition of a front air dam and a rear deck spoiler. Later examples had side skirts added which were blended into the bumpers.
It measures about 7 1/2" (19 cm) nose to tail. The body is made from Malaysian jelutong with a basswood hood panel and jelutong AMG additions
Wheels and tires are unique. Wheel centers are two layers of laminated photo etched brass in the BBS style. Wheel rims and nice fat tires were turned as one piece using maple.
The front grill is silkscreened. Orange, red, white, and silver Scotchcal was hand cut for the trim details and flat black vinyl was used for the windows.
DuPont Imron (now Axalta) polyurethane enamel was used for the final finish.
Only six Co-Hog AMG versions were made. This is the first one which was initially shown at the Auto Art Gallery in Connecticut. It later moved into Paul Allen’s collection and eventually was kindly returned to me.
Of the six, four were finished in black, one in medium gray metallic and one was ordered all in white. That became part of John Quinn’s extensive collection.
Twenty-two different Special Editions were made from mid-1982 until late 1986. The range covered many favorites from Ferraris and Porsches to BMWs and even a single Rolls Royce. A total of 174 examples were completed.
After 44 years, #1 is still a pleasure to behold as it resides in my display case.