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Mercedes-Benz Museum, Raum Mythos 7: Silberpfeile – Rennen und Rekorde. Benz 200 PS „Blitzen-Benz“. Ansicht von links vorn. Mercedes-Benz Museum, Legend Room 7: Silver Arrows – Races and Records. Benz 200 hp “Blitzen-Benz”. Front left view.
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The “Blitzen-Benz” remembered

Looking back at the fastest car in the world in 1909

Rex McAfee

It never gets old looking back on one of the most famous pioneering efforts in the evolution of the automobile, the “Blitzen-Benz.” It’s placeholder in transportation lore needs no exaggeration:

  • Four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 21.5 liters and 147 kW (200 hp)
  • Magic mark of 200 km/h is broken at Brooklands in 1909
  • In 1911 a new world record in the USA
  • With 228.1 km/h twice as fast as an airplane of the time

Join us as we take a brief look at some of the more intriguing aspects of this record-setting automobile.

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Rex McAfee
Published photographer and writer for several Porsche and Ferrari magazines. I currently reside in Southern California and I am very grateful for all of the opportunities the local car culture presents me with. Currently the editor of the 356 Club of Southern California. Sharing the car's history through the club's magazine is a true privilege.
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