Mercedes-Benz W196

High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Mercedes-Benz W196 was the Mercedes-Benz Formula One entry in the 1954 and 1955 Formula One seasons, winning 9 of 12 races entered in the hands of Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss. Remarkable firsts included the use of Desmodromic valves and fuel injection developed by Mercedes engineers through experience gained on the Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter engine during World War II. The legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR was derived from the W196 for the 1955 World Sportscar Championship season. The W196's delayed debut on the 1954 French Grand Prix circuit saw the introduction of the aerodynamic aluminum "Type Monza" body for the high speed track at Reims-Gueux, Fangio and Karl Kling claiming a 1-2 finish and youngster Hans Herrmann posting fastest lap. The same body was later used at Monza, where it picked up its nickname.