Mercedes Benz W196

Mercedes Benz W196 (1954)

The Mercedes-Benz W196 is a Formula One racing car that was produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz between 1954 and 1955. The car was designed to compete in the Formula One World Championship, and it was driven by some of the most famous drivers of the era, including Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss.

The W196 was powered by a 2.5-liter straight-8 engine that produced around 290 horsepower. The car featured a number of advanced technologies, such as fuel injection, desmodromic valves, and a spaceframe chassis. These features helped to make the W196 one of the most powerful and advanced racing cars of its time.

The W196 made its debut at the 1954 French Grand Prix, and it quickly established itself as one of the dominant cars in the sport. In its first year of competition, the W196 won nine out of the twelve races it entered, and it helped Mercedes-Benz secure the Formula One World Championship.

The car's success continued in 1955, with Mercedes-Benz winning the championship again, but the car was retired from Formula One at the end of the 1955 season.

The W196 was not only known for its impressive performance on the track, but also for its sleek and aerodynamic design. The body of the car was made of lightweight aluminum and featured a low-slung profile and a distinctive streamline shape. The car's design was so advanced that it was considered a pioneer in aerodynamics in the sport.

In addition to its success on the track, the W196 was also considered a technological marvel at the time, and it was instrumental in the development of future Formula One cars. Today, the W196 is considered a classic and iconic Formula One car, and it is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.