Mercedes-Benz W 196 R '55

aspiration

NA (Naturally Aspirated)

Group

Gr.X

Displacement

2,497 cc

DriveTrain

FR

Height

1,040 mm

Length

4,025 mm

Weight

835 kg

Width

1,625 mm

Max Power

289 BHP / 8,500 rpm

Max Torque

25.1 kgfm / 6,500 rpm

Performance Point

PP 604.92

Manufacturer

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz W 196 R '55: The Legendary Formula One Champion

The Mercedes-Benz W 196 R '55 stands as a beacon of motorsport excellence and engineering prowess in the annals of racing history. Debuting in the 1954 Formula One season, this iconic race car was Mercedes-Benz’s triumphant return to Grand Prix racing after a long hiatus due to World War II. The W 196 R, especially the 1955 iteration, was the car that solidified Mercedes’ dominance on the track, paired with legendary drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss.

The W 196 R was revolutionary for its time, employing a straight-8 engine with mechanical direct fuel injection—an innovative feature derived from Mercedes' experience in World War II aircraft technology. The W 196 R was produced in two main body configurations: a streamlined version for high-speed circuits and an open-wheel version for tighter, twistier tracks. In both forms, the car boasted a lightweight frame, cutting-edge suspension, and an engine capable of producing upwards of 290 horsepower—a staggering number for the mid-1950s.

Success quickly followed, with Fangio clinching the Drivers’ World Championship in both 1954 and 1955 at the wheel of the W 196 R. Its superior engineering and careful attention to aerodynamics allowed Mercedes-Benz to achieve a remarkable level of reliability and speed over its competitors. The W 196 R won nine out of twelve races it entered, making it one of the most dominant cars in Formula One history up to that point. Its influence on subsequent racing technology was profound and enduring.

Off the racetrack, the Mercedes-Benz W 196 R '55 left a legacy of precision German engineering, helping to propel the brand’s image into the upper echelons of the global automotive market. Today, the W 196 R is highly coveted by collectors and automotive historians alike, with surviving examples fetching record prices at auction and displayed as crown jewels in museums. Its lasting legacy in both motorsport innovation and Mercedes-Benz’s racing pedigree makes the W 196 R a true legend.