Mercedes Benz Targa Florio M-048
The traffic route of the Targa and Coppa Florio, the race of „7.000 curves”, led through tight mountain roads right through the mountain villages of Sicily. The Targa Florio included four rounds, the Coppa one more. Each round had a length of 108 km. To win the Targa, doesn`t ment to win the Coppa also, because to stay one more round in this hard street race, was no walk in the park. Christian Werner made it – supported by his co-pilot Karl Sailer. The major job of Sailer was to keep the gas tank per manual pump under pressure and take care about the grease lubrication. At the 27th of April in 1924 the team wins with the compressor Mercedes both titles. Also they were able to establish a new track record with 1 hour and 35 minutes for one round. His team mates Christian Lautenschlager and Alfred Neubauer placed 10th and 15th. In the team competition Mercedes placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Some confusion caused the painting of the bolids. Instead of the typical white painting of German racing cars of that time, the Targa Florio came with a shining italian red. Rumours are saying, that the Mercedes crew was trying to prevent attacks (throwing of stones) from hot-blooded sicilian fans. Steering wheel with metal spokes Steering wheel rim covered with leather, leather seats Nicely designed dash board with round instruments Movable drivers wind shield Movable lever for ignition- and compound adjustment Manual pump to set the gas tank under pressure and grease gun for water pump lubrication Double-leaf enginehood made of copper. Side panel can also be opened Highly detailed engine with cabeling and arangement of levers Removable spark plug sockets Technical data of the original vehicle: • 4-cylinder-inline-engine M 7294 • Displacement: 1.989 ccm • 126 hp with compressor at 4.500 rpm • Top speed: 120 km/h • Wheel base: 2.700 mm • Total length: 3.800 mm
