A superb
and rare photo of the amazing fuel injected desmodromic Mercedes-Benz 300
It is a
magnificent photograph, as it is shows one of Mercedes ‘ most famous race cars
in a very stylish way. The Mercedes-Benz
300
The car
was of a front-mid-engined design (where the engine block is squarely behind
the front axles), to give more neutral front/rear weight distribution. It used
a spaceframe chassis and magnesium-alloy (Elektron) bodywork, which has a specific
gravity of just 1.8 (for reference, the S.G. of iron is 7.8), both of which
contributed to a dry weight of just 880kg. The preceding Formula 1 car's 8
cylinders in-line engine was used, increased in capacity from 2,496.87 cc (76.0
x 68.8 mm) to 2,981.70 cc (78.0 x 78.0 mm). This boosted output from 290 bhp at
8,500 rpm to about 310 horsepower at 7,400 rpm, depending on the intake
manifold; maximum torque of 234 lb.-ft. came at 5,950 rpm (193.9 psi bmep),
providing strong pulling power. The engine was longitudinally mounted, and was
canted over at a 33-degree angle to lower its profile for aerodynamic reasons,
resulting in the distinctive bonnet bulge on the passenger side of the car. The
engine was also unusual in that it used desmodromic valve actuation instead of
springs. Fuel injection was still a novelty then. The engine protruded some way
back into cockpit, forcing the monoposto version drivers to straddle the
driveshaft and clutch bellhousing with his feet to reach the pedals. To reduce
crank flexing, power takeoff from the engine was at the center of the engine,
via a gear, rather than at the end of the crankshaft. This was not the only
oddity of the drivetrain - the car was fitted with vast inboard drum brakes
which dwarfed the car's 16"-wheels; the unusual shaft-linked brakes were
originally to have been part of a planned[citation needed] four-wheel-drive
system which never came to fruition. The rear independent suspension used a low
roll centre swing axle system, where a beam attached to each hub was mounted on
the opposite side of the chassis. Thus, the beams were aligned slightly
differently and crossed over in the centre line. Cornering forces did not jack
the car up, as occurs with short swing axles. The car's fuel itself was also
odd - a high-octane fuel mixture of 65 percent low-lead gasoline and 35 percent
benzene; in some races, alcohol was also used to further increase performance.
As a rule, the car left the starting line with 44 gallons of fuel and more than
nine gallons of oil on board, although Moss and Jenkinson began their assault
on the 1955 Mille Miglia with as much as 70 gallons of fuel in the tank. At
This is a very nice and very rare non period photo that reflects a wonderful era of Mercedes ‘s automotive history in a wonderful way. This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 6" x 12" (ca. 16 x 30 cm). It makes it perfectly suitable for framing.
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy. For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
All our photos are modern photos that are traditionally made from what we believe are the original negatives and are copyright protected.
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files and board backed envelopes.
They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.