AMG recounts its history in new video

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG roadster is just the latest in a long line of pumped-up rides from AMG.

The company has been putting wrenches to Mercedes-Benz engines since 1967, when Hans-Werner Aufrecht ("A") went into business with Erhard Melcher ("M") and founded AMG. The "G" is for Grossapach, Germany, the birthplace of Aufrecht.

The two men were former Mercedes employees who worked in engineering, design and testing of race engines.

After their first engine was finished and sold in 1965, the owner came back three hours later. The pair thought they had their first return but were surprised to hear that the customer loved his new AMG.

Six years later, AMG got its first race win at the 24 Hours of Spa with a Mercedes 300SEL. It was the first of many checkered flags for the company. Later in the 1970s, the company outgrew its factory in Burgstall and moved to its current home in Affalterbach.

Fast-forward to 1993, when the first AMG hit U.S. shores. The 282-hp C36 was backed by a full Mercedes warranty. Sadly, it was limited to a 1,000-car run over three years.

In 1998, we were graced with the 306-hp Mercedes-Benz C43. The 4.3-liter V8 could rocket the car from a standstill to 60 mph in six seconds, extremely quick for its time.

As customer interest increased, Mercedes obliged us by making an AMG variant of every model by 2002.

Today, the United States makes up more than 40 percent of AMG's business. The latest piece of AMG machinery comes with a fire-breathing 6.3-liter engine and 563 hp. It's also backed by a full Mercedes warranty.

Check out a little more history, set to some epic music, in this video.

By Jake Lingeman