7 Amazing Facts About the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR 722
Slideshow: This car was way ahead of its time on every level.
Serious Speed
Even by modern standards, the 300SLR is fast. With a race weight of 1,984 lbs and 310hp @ 7,400 rpm, these cars flew to a top speed of well over 170mph. Combine this with an open top and the experience must have been tremendously involved from a driver’s point of view. Independent suspension could be found on all four corners, which was incredibly advanced for 1955. Swing axles were utilized in the rear.
Photo courtesy of Ultimatecarpage.com
Derived From Formula 1
Despite its similarities to the 300SL race car of 1952, the 300 SLR was not a derivative of that platform. It was actually designed around the skeleton of the legendary W196 Grand Prix car. It also utilizes the same powerful straight-8 engine.
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The Original Wind Brake
For Le Mans 1955, Alfred Neubauer designed a system for these cars to save drum brakes from wearing out too quickly: an air brake. Drivers would deploy it with their hand to help cool the brakes which were mounted inboard. Air brakes are almost standard on supercars in 2019 and the inboard brake design has been used on many famous racing cars for aerodynamic purposes.
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Reliability
In the 1950s racing cars were hardly known for being able to go fast, let alone finish a race. This car could do both and proved it in the 1,000 mile Mille Miglia as well as a 1-2-3- finish in the Tourist Trophy at Dundrod. Unfortunately, the car’s success would be overshadowed by a horrific accident at Le Mans in 1955. Just prior to this, the car was winning almost everything it contested.
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Mille Miglia Record Holder
Speaking of winning the thousand-mile race, Stirling Moss and his 722 finished with an average speed of 97.96 mph, which became the all-time record for the legendary competition.
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Front Mid-ship
One of the most advanced design aspects of its time was the front mid-engine placement of the 3-liter power plant. What this means is that the mass is positioned primarily behind the front axle while remaining ahead of the driver. This gives inherent balance and better weight distribution for tire wear and lower polar moment for quick transitions in chicanes.
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Priceless
Unlike other really rare racing cars, the 300 SLR 722 is not for sale. Many experts in the auction world believe that should it ever go on sale it would be the most expensive race car ever sold in history. Not a bad wrap on one of the most successful sports car racing careers of all time. Just another fact that proves the 300 SLR is the ultimate racing car of its time and perhaps motor racing itself.
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