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1903 Benz 60HP Parsifal Rennwagen

1903 Benz 60HP Parsifal Rennwagen

1903 Benz 60HP Parsifal Rennwagen

This car was built in direct competition with Mercedes: Karl Benz could work up little enthusiasm for motor sports events, but DMG’s market success, which was the result of their successful participation in races, eventually made the Mannheim company seriously consider designing a competitive racing car. So they took on the young French designer Marius Barbarou, who was put in charge of the design department with a team of selected colleagues. He developed a few cars and finally landed the big hit with the Benz-Parsifal in 1903.

Story By DaimlerChrysler

In Detail

engine Inline-4
position Front Longituidnal
valvetrain 2 Valves per Cyl
displacement 11260 cc / 687.1 in³
bore 160 mm / 6.3 in
stroke 140 mm / 5.51 in
power 44.7 kw / 60 bhp @ 1200 rpm
specific output 5.33 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 91.46 bhp per tonne
body / frame Pressed Steel
driven wheels RWD
front brakes None
f brake size mm / in
rear brakes Drums
r brake size mm / in
f suspension Rigid Axle w/Semi Elliptic Springs
r suspension Rigid Axle w/Semi Elliptic Springs
curb weight 656 kg / 1446 lbs
wheelbase 2760 mm / 108.7 in
front track 1320 mm / 52.0 in
rear track 1320 mm / 52.0 in
transmission 3-Speed Manual
gear ratios :1
top speed ~120 kph / 74.6 mph