#Mercedes Streamliner

[carsthatnevermadeitetc]

Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen, 1955. A Mercedes 'streamliner' raced by Formula 1 legends Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio has sold for a record €51.155.000/$53.917.370 at auction. It has become the most expensive grand prix car ever sold. Driven by Argentina's F1 champion Fangio it won the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix. The car has been sold by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum to benefit its collection and restoration efforts

[wheelsgoroundincircles]

The Mercedes W196 streamliner of Karl Kling sits quietly while admired by press and public at Silverstone for the 1954 British Grand Prix.

[hey-scully-itsme]

still thinking about the count of monte cristo movie. some of it felt half-baked on a technical level (score choices, some weird edits, etc) BUT also it hasn't left my head since i watched it and i WILL be seeing it again on wednesday. enraptured by the count's sad brown eyes and long eyelashes. and his dumbass leather coat.

it's a situation where i wish the movie had more of the book but i also wish the book had a little more of the movie in it.

[xtruss]

Mercedes' 1955 F1 Car Sells For Record $53 Million At Auction

— Reuters | February 2, 2025

The Streamlined Mercedes Set a New Record For the Highest Price Paid For a Grand Prix Car. Jason Tschepljakow/Picture Alliance via Getty Images

A Streamlined Mercedes raced by Formula 1 Greats Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio in 1955 set a record for a Grand Prix car on Saturday, selling at auction for €51.2 Million ($53 Million).

The sleek, silver W196 R Stromlinienwagen, one of only four complete examples in existence, was sold by RM Sotheby's at the Mercedes museum in Stuttgart, Germany, on behalf of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS).

The car had a price estimate of more than €50M and, while the bidding rapidly reached €40M in increments of €5M, it eased off before a final hammer figure of €46.5M.

The final price includes the buyers' premium. The buyer was not immediately named.

The Costliest Car Ever Sold at auction was a 1955 Mercedes 300SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe Sportscar that changed hands for €135M in May 2022.

The most expensive grand prix car previously sold at auction was another ex-Fangio Mercedes W196 From 1954 that fetched $29.6M at Goodwood, England, in 2013.

The IMS car is the first W196 R to become available for private ownership with the streamlined body fitted.

The car was driven to victory by five-time world champion Fangio at the non-championship Buenos Aires Grand Prix in 1955, but with a more conventional cigar-shaped body on the same chassis, and fully open wheels.

Teammate Moss then raced it with the wider, streamlined body extending over the wheels at the season-ending Italian Grand Prix at Monza, retiring after setting the fastest lap at an average speed of 215.7 kph (134.0 mph).

That grand prix marked the end of an era for the Mercedes stable's "Silver Arrows" as the firm withdrew from factory-sponsored motorsport in 1955 after a Le Mans 24 Hours disaster that killed 84 people.

Mercedes returned to F1 as an engine provider in 1994 and with its own works team from 2010.

The car sold on Saturday, chassis number 00009/54, was donated to the IMS by Mercedes in 1965 and was auctioned to raise funds for the museum's restoration efforts and acquisitions with more U.S. focus.

"It's a beautiful car, it's a very historic car, it's just a little bit outside our scope window," curator Jason Vansickle said.

"We've been fortunate to be stewards of this vehicle for nearly 60 years and it has been a great piece in the museum but with this auction and the proceeds raised, it really will allow us ... to be better in the future."

[richwall101]

German 1930's Fast Bus...

1935 Mecedes-Benze Streamliner Bus - 6-Cylinder Tranverse Mounted 8.3L Diesel Engine

Photo by Eduardo Ocanto

Mercedes-Benz streamliner bus 1935. - source Eduardo Ocanto.

[autotopic]

1938 Mercedes-Benz W154

In September 1936, the AIACR (Association Internationale des Automobile Clubs Reconnus), the governing body of motor racing, set the new Grand Prix regulations effective from 1938. Key stipulations included a maximum engine displacement of three liters for supercharged engines and 4.5 liters for naturally aspirated engines, with a minimum car weight ranging from 400 to 850 kilograms, depending on engine size.

By the end of the 1937 season, Mercedes-Benz engineers were already hard at work developing the new W154, exploring various ideas, including a naturally aspirated engine with a W24 configuration, a rear-mounted engine, direct fuel injection, and fully streamlined bodies. Ultimately, due to heat management considerations, they opted for an in-house developed 60-degree V12 engine designed by Albert Heess. This engine mirrored the displacement characteristics of the 1924 supercharged two-liter M 2 L 8 engine, with each of its 12 cylinders displacing 250 cc. Using glycol as a coolant allowed temperatures to reach up to 125°C. The engine featured four overhead camshafts operating 48 valves via forked rocker arms, with three cylinders combined under welded coolant jackets, and non-removable heads. It had a high-capacity lubrication system, circulating 100 liters of oil per minute, and initially utilized two single-stage superchargers, later replaced by a more efficient two-stage supercharger in 1939.

The first prototype engine ran on the test bench in January 1938, and by February 7, it had achieved a nearly trouble-free test run, producing 427 hp (314 kW) at 8,000 rpm. During the first half of the season, drivers such as Caracciola, Lang, von Brauchitsch, and Seaman had access to 430 hp (316 kW), which later increased to over 468 hp (344 kW). At the Reims circuit, Hermann Lang's W154 was equipped with the most powerful version, delivering 474 hp (349 kW) and reaching 283 km/h (176 mph) on the straights. Notably, the W154 was the first Mercedes-Benz racing car to feature a five-speed gearbox.

Max Wagner, tasked with designing the suspension, had an easier job than his counterparts working on the engine. He retained much of the advanced chassis architecture from the previous year's W125 but enhanced the torsional rigidity of the frame by 30 percent. The V12 engine was mounted low and at an angle, with the carburetor air intakes extending through the expanded radiator grille.

The driver sat to the right of the propeller shaft, and the W154's sleek body sat close to the ground, lower than the tops of its tires. This design gave the car a dynamic appearance and a low center of gravity. Both Manfred von Brauchitsch and Richard Seaman, whose technical insights were highly valued by Chief Engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, praised the car's excellent handling.

The W154 became the most successful Silver Arrow of its era. Rudolf Caracciola secured the 1938 European Championship title (as the World Championship did not yet exist), and the W154 won three of the four Grand Prix races that counted towards the championship.

To ensure proper weight distribution, a saddle tank was installed above the driver's legs. In 1939, the addition of a two-stage supercharger boosted the V12 engine, now named the M163, to 483 hp (355 kW) at 7,800 rpm. Despite the AIACR's efforts to curb the speed of Grand Prix cars, the new three-liter formula cars matched the lap times of the 1937 750-kg formula cars, demonstrating that their attempt was largely unsuccessful. Over the winter of 1938-39, the W154 saw several refinements, including a higher cowl line around the cockpit for improved driver safety and a small, streamlined instrument panel mounted to the saddle tank. As per Uhlenhaut’s philosophy, only essential information was displayed, centered around a large tachometer flanked by water and oil temperature gauges, ensuring the driver wasn't overwhelmed by unnecessary data.

[mensfactory]

1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 bearing chassis no. 00009/54

The W196 up for sale was originally built as an open-wheel car, like most Grand Prix racers. Fangio raced it in this configuration at a non-points race in Buenos Aires in 1954.

The car was then fitted with its current streamliner bodywork for the 1955 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where it was driven by Moss.

After the 1955 season, Mercedes used it as a practice and test car before donating it to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in 1965.

Photo via RM Sotheby's

[laura1633]

I’m starting to think max becomes another person whenever he’s physically in pain (whenever he got cramps he won a race) It’s insane how he was driving with visual impairment and was able to win it. Even if he was carried by strategy, being able to drive a car like that is a feat within itself

But also with this knowledge I hope people just understands AD21 was done and ended. it happened and we can’t change it and it was not max’s fault at all. It would’ve happened if Max was in the same position as Lewis, it was just bad on the FIA part. It’s the knowledge that Max didn’t want to back down on the championship he knew he had chance to win even if he wasn’t physically well. For the sake of both sides of the fans I hope we can keep the peace but both the drivers have already moved on from both silverstone and ad21. All we can do is remember it and move forward.

I get what you mean anon. I think one of Max's many strengths is his mental strength and that seems to include being able to fight though physical pain and deliver under the most difficult of circumstances.

I won't get into 2021 because I will be on shaky ground!! I will say that if the roles were reversed then Lewis Hamilton would have grabbed that opportunity with both hands and taken it (I believe even Lewis himself has said this). Mercedes and their fans would have celebrated the victory and Red Bull would have protested. I will also say that Abu Dhabi was only one race in a long season.

After the 2021 season I deleted twitter, unfollowed a lot of F1 accounts on instagram and streamlined the content I view. It has made me a lot happier 😃

[f1mike28]

Maybach Exelero „The Dark Knight“.

The Maybach Exelero high performance show car was unveiled to the world for the first time in the Tempodrom in Berlin.

The 700hp two-seater with a Mercedes-AMG V12 biturbo engine is a unique custom model produced for Fulda Reifenwerke, which were using the Maybach Exelero as a reference vehicle for a newly developed generation of wide tyres.

The German manufacturer of luxury cars built the unique model as a modern interpretation of its legendary streamlined sports car from the 1930s, thereby forging a link with the historical predecessor, which at that time was likewise based on a powerful Maybach automobile (SW38) and used by Fulda for tyre tests.

The Exelero embodies the highest expression to date of the Maybach individualisation strategy of offering specific custom solutions on request. In initial tests on the high-speed track in Nardo (Italy), the unique vehicle reached a top speed of 351.45 km/h.

Developers at Maybach designed the custom model with the participation of students from Pforzheim College. The Exelero was built by the prototype specialists at Stola in Turin.

Maybach Exelero powered by the incredible Mercedes-AMG M285 V12 biturbo engine 6.0L 700HP and 1020Nm of Torque. Handcrafted by Michael Kübler @f1mike28 in Germany Affalterbach.

Driving Performance is our Passion! Mercedes-AMG the Performance and Sports Car Brand from Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-AMG the Home of Driving Performance in Germany Affalterbach. Mercedes-AMG Handcrafted by Racers.

[elvis2130]

1935 Mercedes Streamliner

[carsthatnevermadeitetc]

Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienrennwagen, 1954. One of four known complete examples and the first W 196 R with streamlined body is to be offered at auction by RM Sotheby’s in Partnership with Mercedes-Benz Heritage. It holds the unique distinction of being driven by two of motor racing’s best drivers, Juan Manuel Fangio and Sir Stirling Moss. Donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway by Mercedes-Benz in 1965, this W 196 R will be auctioned in Stuttgart on 1 February 2025. The car forms part of a collection from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum that will be sold by RM Sotheby’s to benefit the Museum's collection and restoration efforts

[wheelsgoroundincircles]

The Mercedes W196 streamliner of Karl Kling sits quietly while admired by press and public at Silverstone for the 1954 British Grand Prix.

[les-belles-mecaniques]

1938 Mercedes Benz 540K Streamliner

[mistons]

1954 Mercedes W196 Streamliner.

[digitalmarketingservices12323]

A Look at Mercedes’ Electric Future: The EQ Series

The Evolution of Mercedes: From Classics to Modern Marvels

Mercedes-Benz is more than just a luxury car brand—it’s a symbol of innovation, performance, and prestige that has shaped the automotive industry for over a century. From its early roots in classic automobiles to the modern marvels gracing today’s roads, Mercedes has remained a pioneering force, consistently blending timeless elegance with cutting-edge technology. This blog takes you on a journey through the evolution of Mercedes-Benz, highlighting key milestones that have solidified its reputation as an icon of the automotive world.

The Early Days: Birth of a Legend

Mercedes-Benz traces its origins back to the late 19th century when Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler laid the foundation for modern automobiles. In 1886, Karl Benz created the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, often considered the first true automobile. Around the same time, Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach built a vehicle with a gasoline-powered engine. These early developments set the stage for the future of Mercedes-Benz.

The brand's official birth came in 1926 when Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) merged with Benz & Cie to form Mercedes-Benz. The combination of the two companies brought together their strengths in engineering and innovation, establishing a brand that would redefine luxury and performance in the automotive world.

1930s: Setting Standards with the Mercedes 500K and 540K

The 1930s saw Mercedes-Benz rise to prominence as a producer of high-performance, luxury vehicles. The Mercedes 500K and 540K models became symbols of automotive excellence, featuring powerful engines, streamlined designs, and unparalleled craftsmanship. These models were the epitome of luxury, favored by royalty, celebrities, and influential figures of the time. The 540K, with its supercharged 5.4-liter engine, became an icon, blending speed with opulence in a way that few others could match.

1950s: The Birth of an Icon with the 300SL

Fast-forward to the post-World War II era, and Mercedes-Benz continued to push boundaries with the introduction of the Mercedes 300SL in 1954. Known for its distinctive gullwing doors, the 300SL was the fastest production car of its time and the first to feature direct fuel injection. This iconic sports car not only redefined speed and performance but also embodied the elegance and sophistication that would become synonymous with the Mercedes brand.

The 300SL also set the stage for Mercedes’ dominance in motorsport, especially in Formula One and endurance racing, further cementing its reputation as a leader in performance engineering.

1960s-1980s: Innovation and Expansion

The mid-20th century saw Mercedes-Benz expanding its lineup to cater to a broader audience. The introduction of the Mercedes S-Class in the 1970s revolutionized the luxury sedan segment, becoming the benchmark for comfort, safety, and technological innovation. With features like anti-lock brakes (ABS), airbags, and advanced suspension systems, Mercedes made safety a key component of luxury.

During this period, Mercedes also introduced the G-Class (G-Wagen) in 1979, a rugged, military-inspired SUV that quickly became a favorite for off-road enthusiasts while still delivering the luxury and quality expected from the brand.

1990s: A New Era of Performance with AMG

In the 1990s, Mercedes-Benz entered a new era of performance with its acquisition of AMG, a tuning company that specialized in high-performance variants of Mercedes models. The collaboration brought the birth of the Mercedes-AMG lineup, featuring powerful V8 engines and enhanced driving dynamics. Models like the AMG E55 and the AMG C36 became favorites for drivers seeking both luxury and blistering performance.

The AMG division quickly grew into a central part of the brand’s identity, representing the pinnacle of performance engineering while maintaining Mercedes’ commitment to comfort and style.

2000s-Present: Redefining Luxury and Technology

The 21st century has been marked by a continued push for innovation. Mercedes-Benz has seamlessly integrated advanced technology into its vehicles, offering drivers a suite of features designed for convenience, safety, and entertainment. Innovations such as the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system, semi-autonomous driving capabilities, and active safety features like collision prevention and lane-keeping assist have become standard in many models.

Mercedes has also embraced the electric future with the introduction of its EQ lineup. The Mercedes EQS, launched in 2021, represents the brand’s commitment to sustainability without compromising on luxury or performance. With its fully electric drivetrain, cutting-edge battery technology, and premium interior, the EQS positions Mercedes at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution.

Mercedes Today: A Symbol of Prestige

Today, Mercedes-Benz stands as a global leader in the luxury automobile industry, continuously setting benchmarks in performance, safety, and technology. Whether it's the elegance of the S-Class, the versatility of the G-Class, or the eco-conscious innovation of the EQ series, Mercedes-Benz has mastered the art of blending tradition with modernity.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence

From the early days of Karl Benz’s first motor vehicle to the cutting-edge electric cars of the 21st century, Mercedes-Benz has evolved into an automotive powerhouse. Its legacy is built on a commitment to pushing the boundaries of design, engineering, and luxury. As the brand continues to innovate and adapt to new technologies, one thing remains clear: Mercedes-Benz will always be a symbol of excellence and a leader in the automotive world.

[srshaihulud]

Quiero uno

Mercedes-Benz Streamliner 1935. - source Myra Clergé.