1907 Benz 60HP Targa Florio Rennwagen

In 1906, a new high-performance racing car was built that was powerful enough to compete successfully against its Mercedes rivals. This 38/60 Benz had an output of 60 hp.

In their first entry in the Targa Florio in April 1907, the three Benz drivers Fritz Erle, Paul Spamann and the Duke of Bojano won the regularity team prize. Erle was placed 15th overall, with a driving time of 9:11:15. The Benz team was given a boost with the engagement of Victor Ganss, who had been trained to be a designer by Bollée and Darracq and who, moreover, could boast quite a number of racing achievements. This car was the predecessor of Benz’ successful Prinz Heinrich cars, named after Prince Heinrich of Prussia, motoring enthusiast and brother of Emperor Wilhelm II. In 1907, Prince Heinrich had established a touring car event named after him that was held until 1911.

In Detail

engine	Inline-4
valvetrain	2 Valves per Cyl
displacement	8920 cc / 544.3 in³
bore	140 mm / 5.51 in
stroke	145 mm / 5.71 in
power	44.7 kw / 60 bhp
specific output	6.73 bhp per litre
driven wheels	RWD w/Dual Side Chain Drive
front brakes	None
f brake size	mm / in
rear brakes	Drums
r brake size	mm / in
f suspension	Rigid Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Springs
r suspension	Rigid Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Springs
transmission	4-Speed Manual
gear ratios	:1
top speed	~130 kph / 80.8 mph