1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR

A treasured masterpiece, the original Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR is housed in a glass case at the Mercedes museum. Never again will it see the pavement or the risks of racing. In fact, it may be one of the most valuable cars in the world. Driven by a young Stirling Moss and co-driven by journalist Denis Jenkinson, it won the 1955 Mile Miglia rally in record-breaking time and achieved incredible speed–a full 32 minutes faster than Juan Manual Fangio, who placed second in the other 300 SLR. Moss’s record time to finish the famed Mille Miglia in the 300 SLR has, to this day, not been beaten. The 300 SLR’s straight 8-cylinder engine, with state-of-the-art fuel injection and desmodromic valve actuation, gave high-revving reliable power. Depending on the tune applied and fuel type used, the car produced between 276 and 310 hp. Sadly 1955 also saw the end of Mercedes’ works-supported racing after the tragic accident at Le Mans. Mercedes did win the 1955 sports car championship, despite retiring at Le Mans out of respect for those who died. Later Sir Stirling Moss was invited on several occasions to relive the 300 SLR’s glory in vintage races before it was permanently retired.