1937 Mercedes-Benz W25 Avus Stromlinie

In 1937 the organizers of the Avus Race decided to drop the requirement of compliance with the 750 kg formula in force at the time, but to allow a free formula without any weight limit. Mercedes-Benz used this opportunity to fit the DAB V 12, 5.6 litre engine that was originally designed for speed record attempts – with over 730 hp, but too heavy for the 750 kg formula – into a W 25 chassis.

In addition to the V 12 engine, an aerodynamic body similar to that used for record cars was added to help cope with the high-speed Avus track in Berlin, which in 1937, for the first time had a steep bend. Manfred von Brauchitsch was nominated to drive the Avus W 25, and he finished the second qualifying round in first place. He had to drop out of the race, however, due to a gear lever defect. On the straights he reached speeds of up to 380 kmh.

In Detail

tags	silver arrow, golden era
submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Record Car
built at	Stuttgart, Germany
engine	MD 25 DAB, 60 Degree V12
position	Front Longitudnal
aspiration	Twin Supercharged
valvetrain	DOHC 4 Valves per Cyl
displacement	5577 cc / 340.3 in³
bore	82 mm / 3.23 in
stroke	88 mm / 3.46 in
power	563.8 kw / 756 bhp @ 5800 rpm
specific output	135.56 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	621.71 bhp per tonne
body / frame	Aluminum over U-Section Pressed Steel Frame
driven wheels	RWD
front tires	6.25×22
rear tires	7.00×24
front brakes	Light -Alloy Drums w/Hydrualic Assist
rear brakes	Light -Alloy Drums w/Hydrualic Assist
steering	Worm & Nut
f suspension	Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Hydrualic Shock Abosrbers
r suspension	De Dion Axle w/Torsion Bar Springs, Hydrualic Shock Absorbers
curb weight	1216 kg / 2681 lbs
wheelbase	2725 mm / 107.3 in
front track	1473 mm / 58.0 in
rear track	1412 mm / 55.6 in
length	6300 mm / 248.0 in
width	1850 mm / 72.8 in
height	1200 mm / 47.2 in
transmission	4-Speed Manual
top speed	~362 kph / 224.9 mph