CIGAR-SHAPED SPEED DEMON: THE CAR THAT HELD THE WORLD RECORD FOR OVER 100 YEARS
Our story begins in the early 20th century, when Benz & Cie and Daimler Motorengesellschaft were fierce rivals in the automotive industry. While Benz & Cie was the world's largest automaker at the time, Daimler Motorengesellschaft, led by Gottlieb Daimler, excelled in the realm of motorsports, cleverly using their racing prowess as a marketing tool.
Feeling threatened by DMG's dominance, Benz & Cie decided to reclaim their reputation by crafting the world's fastest car. This pursuit led to the creation of the Blitzen-Benz, the first vehicle to surpass 124 mph (200 km/h) in Europe and the first to achieve this feat with an internal combustion engine, thus securing the coveted world record.
The Engineering Marvel Behind the Blitzen-Benz
The Blitzen-Benz's impressive performance wasn't just about its powerful engine; it was also a testament to its sleek body and groundbreaking aerodynamics – a remarkable feat considering the absence of wind tunnels in that era. The car's airflow was cleverly channeled, dividing at the front and flowing along its elongated, pointed rear. Wooden-spoked wheels completed the picture, while toothed wheels on the sides housed the transmission system.
A quartet of exhaust pipes protruding from the hood on the left side added to the car's distinctive character. At the front, a crank handle provided the means for starting the engine.
The heart of the Blitzen-Benz was its formidable engine, initially inspired by the four-cylinder unit found in the 1908 Benz Grand Prix racing car. Mercedes-Benz aptly describes the car's overall shape as reminiscent of a cigar.
However, the engineers sought to elevate the engine's performance, increasing its displacement to 21.5 liters and boosting its power from 150 to 200 horsepower. This significant improvement reflected the era's practice of incorporating model numbers that represented the car's horsepower, hence the official designation "Benz 200 PS." The title "Blitzen-Benz" was actually adopted later, bestowed by its American owner, motorsport enthusiast Ernest "Ernie" Moross, who christened it "Lightning-Benz." The German translation of this moniker would forever become the car's popular name.
Conquering Tracks and Breaking Records
The record-breaking Benz 200 PS, initially sporting the body of the Benz Grand Prix, was later equipped with a more aerodynamic design. This modification wasn't just for European circuits like Brooklands; instead, it was geared towards tracks with longer straightaways, where the car could truly unleash its untapped potential.
In 1910, the Blitzen-Benz ventured across the Atlantic to Daytona Beach, now under the command of American racing star Barney Oldfield, Moross's partner. Oldfield first pushed the car to an impressive 131.7 mph and later showcased its prowess in exhibitions before captivated crowds.
Daytona Beach would once again witness the Blitzen-Benz reclaiming the world record, this time with an enhanced setup and Bob Burman behind the wheel. Burman shattered the previous mark with a remarkable 141.7 mph (228.1 km/h).
For an astonishing ten consecutive years, the Benz 200 PS reigned supreme as the world's fastest car. Its record-breaking legacy remained intact until 1919 when it was finally surpassed. Only six units of the Blitzen-Benz were ever built, and four of them still exist today, one of which is proudly displayed in the Legend Room 7: Silver Arrows – Races and Records of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. Have you ever encountered this record-breaking marvel?
This is how the "Blitzen-Benz" looks today at the Mercedes-Benz Museum.