Forty years ago, an automotive upstart called AMG raced a Mercedes-Benz sedan in the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. It was an unusual entry for the company’s first race, and few expected much from it. But the big Benz blew the doors off almost everything in its path and finished second, instantly establishing AMG’s credibility as a tuner.

This weekend, Black Falcon racing and AMG pay tribute to that car when they compete at Spa in a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 wearing identical livery. To complete the homage, one of the three men driving the car will be Kenneth Heyer, whose father Hans Heyer was at the wheel of that legendary AMG sedan four decades ago.

“Forty years after our class victory and second overall place, I think it is a great idea to enter the Spa-Francorchamps race with the SLS AMG GT3 in the same look as ‘my’ 300 SEL,” Hans Heyer said in a statement. “Naturally I wish the Black Falcon team and my son Kenneth every success – and will be delighted if he wins at least second place!”