Mercedes revs up at Goodwood
Classic 1955 300 SLR to be driven by Stirling Moss
 Moss & Jenkinson in the 300 SLR at the 1955 Mille Miglia  The 300 SLR at Goodwood |
Mercedes-Benz and Maybach will be at the Festival of Speed this weekend with a very special collection of cars and drivers. From historical and record-breaking cars of yesteryear to the spectacular and most technically advanced supercars of today – the number includes two UK debut appearances for up and coming models and the final appearance of a racing legend.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR (W 196 S) 1955
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of a record-breaking win at the Mille Miglia, Sir Stirling Moss will once again be reunited with his car for that event, the awesome 300 SLR. Still wearing its racing numbers of 722 (which signify the start time of 07:22 on the event, 1st May 1955) Sir Stirling will sprint the 300 SLR up the world-famous driveway in front of Goodwood House.
Although most famous for its Mille Miglia win, where Moss was aided by co-driver Denis Jenkinson, the car (which used an enlarged and tuned Grand Prix engine from the W 196 R) also won the famous Tourist Trophy and Targa Florio.
722 competed in this years Mille Miglia. Driven from the start by Sir Stirling Moss, the charge was taken up by another racing legend, Jochen Mass. The event is run on Italian roads and lanes from Brescia in the north, to Rome, and back again – it is still seen as one of the ultimate motoring tests.
Moss, Jenkinson and Mercedes-Benz completed the 1955 event in just 10 hours, seven minutes and 48 seconds – a record which is yet to be beaten – that’s an average of some 98 mph over the 992-mile course.
The 2005 Festival of Speed will be the last competitive outing for the 50-year old car. Following one last appearance at the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach (14 August 2005), the famous ‘722’ will take pride of place within the new Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.
Technical data:
Engine: 8-cylinder in-line, displacement 2,982cc
Power: 310bhp at 7,400 rpm
Weight: 901Kg
Top speed: 175mph (approx.)
Mercedes-Benz "Monoposto" (W 196 R) 1954
 Juan Manuel Fangio corners at Monaco in W 196 R Monoposto |
When Daimler-Benz decided to go Grand Prix racing back in 1952, they set about creating the ultimate racer. So, in March of 1954, after a short development period, a streamlined version of the W 196 R was completed. The smooth and sleek body was a result of time in the wind tunnel and helped it reach speeds of over 186 mph. The Streamliner first saw competitive action at the 1954 Reims Grand Prix and the hard work was rewarded – drivers Fangio and Kling took a convincing double victory which announced to the world that Mercedes-Benz was back in Grand Prix racing.
However, the next Grand Prix at Silverstone was less successful – Fangio complained that the car wasn’t suited to the circuit due to its covered wheels. Fangio wanted to race as close to the hay bales and barriers as possible, but the covered bodywork was cumbersome in places and the car took some damage. So, the ‘Monoposto’ (actually Italian for ‘one seat’) was developed – essentially an open-wheeled version of the Streamliner. From then, Mercedes-Benz raced each version to its strengths – the Streamliner at the quick tracks where aerodynamics really counted and the Monoposto at the twisty and more technical circuits.
At the Festival of Speed this year, Jochen Mass will pilot the spectacular Monoposto along the Goodwood driveway.
Technical data:
Engine: 8-cylinder in-line, displacement 2,496cc
Power: 257bhp at 8,250 rpm
Weight: 829Kg
Top speed: 186mph (approx.)
Lightning Benz record car (1909)
Blitzen Benz at Brooklands, 1913
Each cylinder of that 21.5-litre engine is over a gallon in size – more than four modern SL 500 engines combined. The car’s nickname – Lightning Benz – was later translated into German, and the legend of the "Blitzen Benz" was born.
Technical data:
Engine: 4-cylinder in-line, displacement 21,500cc
Power: 200 hp at 1,600rpm
Weight: 1,450Kg
Top speed: 141.7 mph (maximum recorded)
UK debut for the Maybach 57 S 2005
Maybach 57 S
Following customer requests for a Maybach with greater engine output and agility, the 57 S was developed with enhancements in several areas. The suspension, interior and engine have all received attention, whilst the exterior has undergone gentle development to hint at its sporting nature.
The six-litre V12 bi-turbo engine has been newly developed in cooperation with AMG. The result is an adequate 612bhp and 737lb-ft (electronically limited) of torque which can propel the über-saloon to 62.5 mph in 5 seconds and onwards to 178 mph (electronically limited).
The 57 S has gained a firmer suspension set-up to add to its sporting nature. Specially developed to work with the new 20 in alloy wheels and 275/45 tyres, the package offers superior driving dynamics and an engaging drive.
The exterior changes are subtle. More air intakes in the front bumper aid cooling whilst spaces for twin-tail pipes at the rear add to the sporting theme. The boot lid and flanks each receive discreet 57 S badging.
The interior of the 57 S continues the theme, mixing piano lacquer over carbon fibre for the interior trim, rather than traditional wood. Of course, the customer can choose the interior finish from a vast range of wood and leather alternatives. There is also a Mercedes-Benz developed synthetic leather, for those who prefer a non-leather option.
The Maybach 57 S is available to order now, with first deliveries towards the end of 2005. Pricing is expected to be around £300,000 on-the-road.
New Mercedes-Benz on display
Mercedes-Benz will be showing some new cars, from the accessible A-Class at £14,255 right through to the carbon fibre bodied 208 mph SLR McLaren at £313,540 – the latest 2006 models will be on display.
The Festival of Speed will herald the first UK public appearance of the new B-Class multi-activity vehicle, way ahead of its on-sale date of September.
In a show of strength, the awesome and spectacular SL 65 AMG will sit alongside the new CLS 55 AMG and stunning SLR McLaren. The 6.0-litre bi-turbo of the SL develops 612 hp, making it the most powerful roadster on the planet thanks to a substantial 1000 Nm of torque. The CLS-Class, with its unique coupé looks and saloon practicality, has a V8 supercharged engine with 476 hp to the array. The SLR McLaren has 626 hp, thanks to its 5.5-litre supercharged V8 which can propel the carbon fibre car to 62.5 mph in only 3.8 seconds.
The full display includes:
- A 200 CDI
- B 170
- B 200
- C 230 SPORT Edition Saloon – powered by a new 2.5-litre V6 engine
- E 350 SPORT Edition Wagon
- CLK 320 SPORT Edition
- CLS 55 AMG
- SL 65 AMG
- SLR McLaren
- C-Class DTM race car
An audience with Sir Stirling Moss
An ‘Audience with Sir Stirling Moss’ will take place on each day of the Festival of Speed at the Mercedes-Benz Stable Quadrangle. Interviewed by Grand Prix oracle Murray Walker OBE and Simon Taylor of Motor Sport magazine, Sir Stirling will give a unique insight into the famous Mille Miglia victory, his incredible racing career, and life as a living legend and ambassador for motorsport.
‘Audience with Sir Stirling Moss’ will take place at the following approximate times (according to the race schedule):
Friday 24th 12:20 – 13:00
Saturday 25th 10:35 – 11:00, 15:45 – 16:15
Sunday 26th 10:35 – 11:00, 15:45 – 16:15
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