The Silver Arrows

In the 1930s Mercedes-Benz launched its super-charged engine, dominating the racing scene and setting speed records that remained unbroken for decades.  Featuring polished aluminium panels rather than the common white paint of the day on its cars,  the press dubbed the team 'The Silver Arrows' - a name that still reigns today.    

With a return to competition in the 1950s, the Silver Arrows won Grand Prix, Endurance and Speedway races around the globe in the space-framed 300SL W194 and 300SLR W196, pictured here with the late Stirling Moss at the wheel.  

Silver Arrows drivers continually enjoyed the podium, often finishing 1-2 or even 1-2-3 in some competitions. Victories at the Mille Miglia, Le Mans,  Liege-Rome-Liege rally,  Carrera Pan-Americana and Sports Car Club of America championship three years running placed the Silver Arrows on the world stage.

In a bold move that was to create an icon, Mercedes-Benz tamed the W194 race car just enough to be street legal, making the leap from race track to road in just 12 months. Fast, with bullet-proof reliability and stunning curves, the new 300SL W198 brought elegance and the spirit of the Silver Arrows to the motoring public.    

After a 40-year absence from Formula One racing, the Silver Arrows again won the World Championship in 1998 and 1999 including a win in Monte Carlo.

The 300SL W198 brought elegance and the spirit of the Silver Arrows to the motoring public and while a trip to the cote d'azure may not be on the calendar for us this year, we've found this video clip of F1 champion Nico Rosberg unleashing his 300SL Gullwing on the winding roads around Monaco. Fasten your seat belt.