Although this number may seem trivial to you today, at the beginning of the 20th century, breaking the 200 km/h mark was a real feat. There Benz 200 hpalso called Blitzen-Benz (Benz-Éclair in German), was the first to set this world speed record in 1909.

Only six copies of these “Blitzen-Benz” were produced at the time, and to this day only four of them still exist. One of these rare examples can be approached in Stuttgart, Germany Mercedes-Benz Museumin “Legendary Room 7”, a room called “Silver Arrows – Races and Records”.

Mercedes Blitzen-Benz: aerodynamic body

Benz 200 PS “Blitzen-Benz” has a body in the shape of an arrow, which allows it to be as aerodynamic as possible, without the need to use a wind tunnel. A rounded grille helps direct airflow at the front, while an elongated rear end allows it to flow smoothly across the elongated rear end, not forgetting the wood-spoked tires that feature an aerodynamic finish. The pilot cowered in the cockpit.

Under the hood is imposing 21.5 liter four-cylinder engine develops strength 200 horses : impressive power for the time, symbolized by the four exhaust ports at the front. The engine is started using a crank, while its power is transmitted to the rear wheels.

He holds several world records

Opened in 1907 in Great Britain, Brooklands is the world’s first motor racing circuit to feature sharp turns. It was here on November 8, 1909 that the “Blitzen-Benz” broke the world record: the Benz 200 PS reached a speed 205.666 km/h half a mile away and 202.648 km/h over one kilometer, both from a fast start, with driver Viktor Hemery at the wheel: this is the first time, crossed the mark of 200 km/h in Europe with an internal combustion engine.

It was necessary to go even further and faster Benz & Cie longer straights… That’s why on the Daytona Beach racetrack in the United States, “Lightning-Benz” broke a new speed record on March 16, 1910: pilot Barney Oldfield reached a speed 211.97 km/h per mile, from a fast start.

Speed 228.1 km/h was achieved on April 23, 1911, still in Daytona Beach, by Bob Berman: a new world record in the “flying mile”. The “Blitzen-Benz” then became twice as fast as an airplane and faster than any car or rail transport of the time. her world speed record then to be beaten in 1919, eight years later.

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