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1937 Mercedes-Benz W25 Avus Stromlinie

1937 Mercedes-Benz W25 Avus Stromlinie

1937 Mercedes-Benz W25 Avus Stromlinie

In 1937 the organizers of the Avus Race decided to drop the requirement of compliance with the 750 kg formula in force at the time, but to allow a free formula without any weight limit. Mercedes-Benz used this opportunity to fit the DAB V 12, 5.6 litre engine that was originally designed for speed record attempts – with over 730 hp, but too heavy for the 750 kg formula – into a W 25 chassis.

In addition to the V 12 engine, an aerodynamic body similar to that used for record cars was added to help cope with the high-speed Avus track in Berlin, which in 1937, for the first time had a steep bend. Manfred von Brauchitsch was nominated to drive the Avus W 25, and he finished the second qualifying round in first place. He had to drop out of the race, however, due to a gear lever defect. On the straights he reached speeds of up to 380 kmh.

In Detail

tags silver arrow, golden era
submitted by Richard Owen
type Record Car
built at Stuttgart, Germany
engine MD 25 DAB, 60 Degree V12
position Front Longitudnal
aspiration Twin Supercharged
valvetrain DOHC 4 Valves per Cyl
displacement 5577 cc / 340.3 in³
bore 82 mm / 3.23 in
stroke 88 mm / 3.46 in
power 563.8 kw / 756 bhp @ 5800 rpm
specific output 135.56 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 621.71 bhp per tonne
body / frame Aluminum over U-Section Pressed Steel Frame
driven wheels RWD
front tires 6.25×22
rear tires 7.00×24
front brakes Light -Alloy Drums w/Hydrualic Assist
rear brakes Light -Alloy Drums w/Hydrualic Assist
steering Worm & Nut
f suspension Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Hydrualic Shock Abosrbers
r suspension De Dion Axle w/Torsion Bar Springs, Hydrualic Shock Absorbers
curb weight 1216 kg / 2681 lbs
wheelbase 2725 mm / 107.3 in
front track 1473 mm / 58.0 in
rear track 1412 mm / 55.6 in
length 6300 mm / 248.0 in
width 1850 mm / 72.8 in
height 1200 mm / 47.2 in
transmission 4-Speed Manual
top speed ~362 kph / 224.9 mph