Mercedes Benz W 196 R Sreamline M-044
1954. Mercedes-Benz returned after the war to Grand Prix racing. At the French Grand Prix at Reims, three new Silver Arrows made their debut and with their complete new body they caused a lot of excitement in the audience and a lot of nervousness among their competitors. The world has never seen before such an elegant and streamlined racing car. The result was almost perfect, as the Mercedes with Juan Manuel Fangio and Karl Kling scored a terrific one-two at the first go. Fangio became 1954/1955 double word champion, while Kling, Stirling Moss, Hans Herrmann and Piero Taruffi also starred. They all celebrated a lot of triumphs with the streamline version and also with the parallel used W 196 Monoposto, the version with the freestanding wheels. This story of big success ended like it began. The Grand Prix seasons last race in 1955 in Monza, Fangio was again able to win with the streamline version and starting number 18. Mercedes retired from the Formula-1-racing one more time. And the glorious era of the Silver Arrows ended. The fullmetal model is handmounted of more than 1.100 parts. The interaction of precision, details and functionality, the use of high-class material and the brilliant paintwork in finest polish are making this to a masterpiece of model architecture. Technical data of the original vehicle: • 8-cylinder in-line-engine, in lengthwise 50° leant to the right side • Fuel direct injection, controlled mechanical • Displacement: 2.496 cm3 • Maximum output: 290 hp at 8.500 rpm • Topspeed: 300 km/h • Wheel Base: 2.350 mm • Total length: 4.420 mm
