Ultimatecarpage.com update (10-03-07)

[Wouter Melissen]

Dear Ultimatecarpage.com visitor,

One of the absolute greatest eras of Grand Prix racing was the 1930s when the Italians and Germans went head to head and built some of the finest machinery. Today we take a look at two of the most successful racers of that time.
Helped in no small part by the unusual maximum weight regulations Mercedes-Benz built the 592 bhp W125, which remained the most powerful GP car for decades after. It was not all about the engine either as the 'Silver Arrow' sported fully independent suspension and brought the long forgotten DeDion rear axle back into the limelight. What really gave these 1930s racers their bad reputation for being impossible to drive were the dreadful tires the drivers had to make do with. Rudolf Caracciola was the cream of the crop that season taking four wins in the W125 and clinching the championship. After just one season the magnificent racer was obsolete as more sensible regulations were imposed for 1938. Fortunately several examples have survived and the featured example is in full running order; still capable of scaring the lucky few that get to drive it.
Impressed with the fine machinery racing in Europe, the organizers of the Indy 500 conformed themselves to the new 1938 regulations, hoping to attract a more international field. In the end only one European car crossed the Atlantic, but it promptly won the 500 race in 1939. It was the Maserati 8CFT, which had shown good speed, but could not match the durability and reliability of the much better funded German cars. At Indy it was right at home and took another win. The winning machine also came close to becoming the only car to win the legendary race three times. It is hard to imagine, but another 8CTF also took back to back victories in the Pikes Peak race. The featured machine was raced on both sides of the Atlantic and looks absolutely superb.

Enjoy the links:

Maserati 8CTF
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/6...rati-8CTF.html

Mercedes Benz W125
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/9...Benz-W125.html

Regards,
Wouter Melissen

[LotusLocost]

Very good update Wouter.

Thanks!