CMC Mercedes-Benz W196R, Start No. 18, 1954/55 – 1/18

• Hand-assembled all-metal precision model made from more than 1100 parts
• Faithful reproduction of the 8-cylinder in-line engine with inclined mounting position
• Detailed cabling and cable routing
• Precisely designed tubular metal lattice frame
• Wheels in filigree wire spoke design and removable by means of detachable centre locks
• Finely crafted cockpit with textile seat cover and leather headrest
• Exact reproduction of the internal brake drums
• Authentic arrangement of fuel and oil tanks
• Realistic design of the front and rear wheel suspension with spring suspension

With the streamlined body of the W 196, Mercedes-Benz once again surprised the entire racing scene, offering a completely new appearance with this perfectly formed sheet metal dress upon its re-entry into Grand Prix motor racing after the war.
At the opening race of the 1954 French Grand Prix in Reims, Mercedes started with three streamlined cars and immediately achieved a magnificent one-two victory with Fangio in first place and Karl Kling in second.
From then on, the Mercedes stars, led by Juan Manuel Fangio, as well as Karl Kling and Stirling Moss, celebrated outstanding successes with both the streamlined version and the simultaneously used W 196 Monoposto with freestanding wheels.
Fangio won his second and third world championships in 1954 and 1955 in the W 196.
As in the first race in Reims, the streamlined version, driven by J.M. Fangio, was once again able to enter the winners' list in the final race of the 1955 Grand Prix season in Monza.
After two years, this was the W 196's final outing. Mercedes subsequently withdrew from Formula 1 racing.