CMC Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Mille Miglia #701 Kling – 1/18

• Karl Kling was driving without a passenger. The passenger side had been covered with a metal plate.
• Stone chip protection shield in front of the windscreen
• Three-spoke steering wheel. The interior is lined with leather and the seats are upholstered in fabric. The hinged driver's door made it easier to get in. The front passenger had to make do without a door.
• Removable spare wheels matched to the front and rear wheel size
• Spoked wheels with aluminium rims and individually inserted nipples for the stainless steel wire spokes
• The wheels can each be removed by means of a three-leaf centre lock, whereby the geometry of the leaves is adapted to the side of the vehicle
• Authentically reproduced cockpit ventilation, windscreen and rear-view mirror
• Originally designed dashboard with all display instruments and controls
• The neck support domes are firmly connected to the tailgate and can be folded up as a unit to gain access to the spare wheels. The open bonnet is secured with a support bar
• The fuel filler flap is integrated into the driver's side headrest dome. The filler neck underneath has a removable stainless steel filler cap
• Front section with filigree grilles on the radiator and engine air intake duct
• Highly detailed eight-cylinder in-line engine in inclined installation position with all add-on units including complete cable routing and cabling
• The exhaust sidepipes are made of stainless steel
• Front wheel suspension with internal drum brakes
• Lattice tube frame with tank, wheel suspension, support brackets for the spare wheels and electric petrol pumps
• Roller-Map: Denis Jenkinson's brilliant invention

The major annual Mille Miglia event had a particularly attractive field of participants in 1955. Mercedes-Benz had big plans and sent an armada of four 300 SLR racing cars, which were used for the first time. Well-known top drivers were to contest victory against the fiercest competitors such as Ferrari, Maserati and Aston Martin. Half of Italy was on its feet, eagerly awaiting the national racing event.
On 1 May 1955, at 7:01 AM, the 300 SLR with starting number 701 (starting number = start time) and its driver Karl Kling (without a co-driver) left the starting ramp in Brescia to take to the road for the approximately 1600 km route of the 22nd Mille Miglia.
Following the turning point in Rome, Karl Kling meets his fate. He swerves off the road while avoiding a spectator who carelessly crossed the street. Kling's SLR ends up heavily damaged in the ditch. For the driver, who was fortunately uninjured, it's a bitter end.
The outcome of the race is now world-famous and has gone down in racing history. Stirling Moss celebrated a triumphant victory.