MERCEDES-BENZ W196

HISTORY

For the 1955 Formula One World Championship, Mercedes again deployed a Mercedes-Benz W196. The car designed by Hans Scherrenberg, did not have many modifications, apart from the engine power. The experience of the previous season led to the greater use of the open wheeled version, given the characteristics of the world circuits. The only exception was for the Italian Grand Prix where the circuit was very fast and was opted for the wheeled chassis.

Juan Manuel Fangio at the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz W196 won the 1955 Formula One World Championship. A title contender is Stirling Moss’s new team-mate, but the argentine was too experienced for the british driver. Fangio started winning his home Grand Prix in Argentina, and during the season he obtained three more victories, GP Netherlands, GP Belgium and GP Italy. The 24 hour Le Mans 1955 crash, where the Mercedes led by Pierre Levegh caused the death of 83 people, brought to Mercedes-Benz to the decision to stop all sporting competitions, including Formula 1.

CHASSIS

Mercedes W196
Aluminium body panels chassis
Length: 4025 mm
Width: 1625 mm
Height: 1040 mm
Brakes: drums, all round
Tyres: Continental

ENGINE

Mercedes M196 R Straight 8, 2496 cc front, longitudinally mounted
Power: 216 kW
Drive Type: Rear wheel drive
Transmission: five speed Manual
Fuel Type: Petrol
Tank Capacity: ?

RESULT

Winner Formula 1 World Champion 1955 with driver Juan Manuel Fangio
GP winner: GP of Argentina 1955 with Juan Manuel Fangio, GP of Belgio 1955 with Juan Manuel Fangio, GP of Holland 1955 with Juan Manuel Fangio, GP of Great Britain 1955 with Stirling Moss, GP of Italy 1955 with Juan Manuel Fangio