As the 1936 racing season progressed, it became evident that the W 25, despite securing two Grand Prix victories, was losing its competitive edge. Mercedes-Benz recognized the need for a significant change, and brought in Rudolf Uhlenhaut as the technical head of their racing department. Uhlenhaut and his team embarked on developing a completely new racing car, a bold move considering the impending shift in regulations for 1938, which would introduce a displacement-based formula, replacing the 750-kg formula.
After rigorous testing of the W 25 under demanding race conditions, Uhlenhaut opted for a revolutionary chassis design for its successor, the W 125. This new design incorporated softer spring characteristics combined with powerful damping. The engine also underwent substantial enhancements. The inline eight-cylinder engine, already equipped with a supercharger, saw its displacement increased to 5.7 liters. This upgrade boosted its output to an impressive 435 kW (592 hp), a remarkable 73 kW (100 hp) increase compared to the previous year’s model. This level of power was not seen again in Grand Prix racing cars until the late 1980s, underscoring the W 125’s groundbreaking engineering. The W 125 could reach a top speed of approximately 320 km/h, making it one of the fastest cars of its era. A distinctive feature of the W 125 was its front section, characterized by three prominent cooling vents, giving it an unmistakable and aggressive appearance on the track.
The debut race for the new Silver Arrow, the Tripoli Grand Prix in Libya, proved to be a triumphant start, with Hermann Lang behind the wheel securing victory. The 1937 racing season became a showcase of the W 125’s unparalleled performance. The car achieved an astounding seven victories, along with nine 2nd place finishes and six 3rd place finishes. This dominance led Rudolf Caracciola to clinch his second Grand Prix European Championship title. The Mercedes-Benz W 125 not only won races but also redefined the standards for racing car engineering and performance during its time.
For enthusiasts and collectors, the legacy of the Mercedes-Benz W 125 can now be appreciated in a tangible form. A meticulously crafted miniature model of the W 125 is available for personal collections, capturing the intricate details of this legendary Silver Arrow.
Product details:
- Color: Silver
- Scale: 1:24
- Approx. 17 cm in length
- Material: Metal / Die-Cast Zinc With Plastic Parts
- Feature: Pullback action
