Usually, turning 50 means slowing down. Not for AMG.

The Affalterbach-based Mercedes performance arm has celebrated its half-century milestone by announcing the release of an exclusive AMG GT3 car, the Edition 50.

Only five will be made, so it’s likely all of them will have sold (whether officially or not) in the time it has taken to read this news story. Or sooner.

AMG GT3 Edition 50 driving rear

“It forms the basis for an extraordinary special model which Mercedes-AMG is issuing to mark its 50th birthday.”

AMG GT3 Edition 50 interior

Inside, the GT3 Edition 50 cops a racing fitout, with a roll cage, carbon fibre-shelled seats, silver six-point seat belts, and AMG logos in the doors and sill.

Unlike the road-going AMG GT, the GT3 uses the ultimate version of AMG’s former 6.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8, which produces up to 485kW though is usually run heavily restricted to ensure parity.

AMG GT3 Edition 50 Interior detail

In a statement, AMG said it believes it will crack “the barrier of 100,000 units” by the end of 2017, as strong sales in the first quarter kindled optimism.

AMG GT3 Edition 50 driving front

“Another factor is the worldwide success of the popular eight-cylinder models in the 63 series, and the 45 series models in the compact segment.”