As the 1936 Grand Prix season progressed, it became increasingly apparent that the Mercedes-Benz W 25, despite securing two Grand Prix victories, was no longer at the forefront of competitive racing. In response, the racing department underwent a significant change with the appointment of Rudolf Uhlenhaut as its technical head. Uhlenhaut and his team immediately embarked on the development of a completely new racing car. This was a bold move, considering the regulations of the 750-kg formula were nearing their end, with a new displacement-based formula scheduled to be implemented in 1938.
Following rigorous testing of the W 25 under demanding racing conditions, Uhlenhaut opted for a groundbreaking chassis design principle for its successor, the Mercedes-Benz W125. This new design philosophy prioritized soft spring characteristics paired with robust damping. The engine also underwent substantial redevelopment. The inline eight-cylinder engine, equipped with a supercharger, saw its displacement increased to 5.7 liters. This enhancement boosted its power output to an impressive 435 kW (592 hp), a remarkable 73 kW (100 hp) increase compared to the previous year’s model. This level of power output was not seen again in Grand Prix racing cars until the late 1980s, highlighting the W 125’s অগ্রগামী engineering. The Mercedes-Benz W125 was capable of reaching a top speed of approximately 320 km/h. A distinguishing visual feature of the car was the three prominent cooling vents integrated into its front section, giving the W125 an instantly recognizable appearance.
The newly developed Silver Arrow made an immediate impact, securing victory in its very first race – the Tripoli Grand Prix in Libya, driven by Hermann Lang. The Mercedes-Benz W125 went on to achieve an astounding season of dominance in 1937, amassing an impressive record of seven victories, nine 2nd place finishes, and six 3rd place finishes. This overwhelming success led Rudolf Caracciola to clinch the Grand Prix European Championship title for the second time, cementing the Mercedes-Benz W125‘s place in motorsport history.
For enthusiasts and collectors, the Mercedes-Benz W 125 is now available as a meticulously crafted miniature model, allowing you to own a piece of this legendary racing heritage. This die-cast model captures the intricate details of the original Silver Arrow.
Product details:
- Color: Silver
- Scale: 1:24
- Approximate Length: 17 cm
- Material: Metal / Die-Cast Zinc With Plastic Parts
- Feature: Pullback Action
