Mercedes-AMG is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year by releasing a limited, non-homologated race car, the GT3 Edition 55.
The past five decades have seen Mercedes go from strength to strength in motorsport, starting with the iconic 300 SEL 6.8 AMG’s class win in the 1971 edition of the 24 Hours of Spa right up to the Mercedes-AMG GT3’s one-two finish in this year’s running of the same race.
![Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 55 rear three quarter view](https://www.autocar.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Mercedes_AMG_GT3_EDITION_55_03-e1661300801334.jpg)
To pay homage to its heritage, Mercedes-AMG is creating five GT3 Edition 55s that are only destined for the track. The car won’t be FIA homologated either which means it will feature increased engine power over the race-specced GT3.
While still featuring the 6.3-litre AMG V8, power is boosted to 484kW which is around 74kW more than the FIA version. It even comes without an exhaust silencer, blessing the driver and spectators with its unrestricted V8 soundtrack.
![Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 55 front three quarter view](https://www.autocar.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Mercedes_AMG_GT3_EDITION_55_01-e1661300826273.jpg)
Each car will be finished in Alpine Grey Uni complete with red accents and decals complementing the matte finished carbon fibre aero components. The Affalterbach crest is painted on each side of the car, representing the home of the AMG V8.
As it’s a racecar, function has been favoured over form in the interior of the GT3 Edition 55 but it does feature distinct seat embroidery and plaques to remind you that you’re in a one of five edition vehicle.
![Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 55 interior view](https://www.autocar.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Mercedes_AMG_GT3_EDITION_55_05-e1661300727399.jpg)
Driver information is provided courtesy of a Bosch Data Display Unit (DDU) showing speed, rpm, operating temperatures, lap times, and gear and shift indicator among other essential data.
Each of the lucky five owners will also receive a limited edition IWC Schaffhausen watch complete with the chassis number of the corresponding car.
![IWC Schaffhausen watch exclusive to Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 55 owners](https://www.autocar.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Mercedes_AMG_GT3_EDITION_55_08-edited.jpg)
As can be expected with a limited run track car, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 55 will be priced at 625,000 Euro (just over $NZ1 million).