1899 Daimler 12HP Rennwagen
Based on the world’s first four-cylinder car: A successful racing car – also built in a 28 hp engine version -, but with fairly instable handling characteristics due to its high centre of gravity. With this car, factory driver Bauer had his fatal accident in Nice in 1900.
His accident was attributed to the car design. This realization resulted in the design of the first Mercedes, which outgrew all the failings of the Phoenix car.
Story by DaimlerChrysler
In Detail
| engine | Water-Cooled, Phoenix Inline-4 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| valvetrain | 2 Valves per Cyl, Itake Uncontrolled |
| displacement | 4398 cc / 268.4 in³ |
| bore | 100 mm / 3.94 in |
| stroke | 140 mm / 5.51 in |
| power | 11.2 kw / 15 bhp @ 720 rpm |
| specific output | 3.41 bhp per litre |
| body / frame | Pressed Steel Frame |
| front brakes | None |
| f brake size | mm / in |
| rear brakes | Drums w/Output Shaft Brake Band |
| r brake size | mm / in |
| steering | Worm & Nut |
| f suspension | Rigid Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Springs |
| r suspension | Rigid Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Springs |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | :1 |
