Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Streamliner Limited Edition Stirling Moss Nr. 16 GP Monza 1955
Prior to the final racing session, Mercedes-Benz had already demonstrated its strength, with Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss, and Karl Kling placing first second and third respectively. Once the final race started the Mercedes Team took over the lead immediately.
However, the No. 16 car of Stirling Moss was forced to make a pit stop on the 19th lap because of a broken windshield. With the leader more than a half lap ahead, Moss returned to the race and started a furious chase to make up for the lost time. On lap 21, he set a sensational new lap record of 2:46.9, averaging 215.7Km/h. This record held through the entire race. Unfortunately, there was no happy ending for him. On lap 29, a technical malfunction stopped him altogether so he was unable to finish the race. Nevertheless, he still won a respectable second place in the final standings of the 1955 F1 world championship.
Technical data of the original vehicle:
- Angularly mounted 8-cylinder in-line-engine, leaning lengthwise to the right side at 50°
- Direct Fuel injection, mechanically controlled
- Cylinder Bore / Piston Stroke 76/68,8 mm
- Cylinder Capacity: 2496ccm
- Maximum Output: 290hp at 8500 rpm
- Topspeed: up to 300 km/h
- Wheel Track Front / Rear: 1330/1348 (1358)mm
- Wheel Base: 2.350 mm
- Total length: 4.420 mm