In its day, this was the most innovative Formula 1 car on account of its straight-eight motor equipped with positive-drive valve timing (i.e. without return springs), two plugs per cylinder and direct injection. The W196 R mounted two kinds of bodywork: conventional with uncovered wheels, and fully flaired for very high speed racing. This model’s first victory coincided with its debut in the Grand Prix of France held at Rheims in 1954, when Manuel Fangio and Karl Kling came first and second. It also carried Fangio to the world title in the same year and the next.
Presented by Daimler-Benz A.G., Stoccarda
Engine: 8 cylinders
Capacity: 2296 cc
Max. power output: 290 bhp at 8000 rpm
Max. speed: 290 km/h
Weight: 720 kg
