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16/07/2021 9:01 am
Taking the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR (W 196S) to the 1955 24 Hours of LeMans, no one knew it would be the last race and the end of the line of factory Silver Arrows. During the race, a Jaguar cut off an Austin-Healey going to pit. As the Austin-Healy swerved around the Jag, the much faster 300SLR driven by Pierre Levegh rear ended the Austin-Healey and was launched into the grandstand at about 125 mph killing him instantly. The Mercedes bounced twice in the stands; the second hit disintegrated the car and its pieces spread carnage over a wide area. 84 people were killed and another 120 were injured. Horrified, Daimler Benz AG withdrew from racing and these beautiful cars were sent back home to stay.
16/07/2021 11:07 am
Thanks for the history, sad as it is. 2 excellent looking models.
Rich Sufficool and Rich Sufficool reacted
16/07/2021 5:58 pm
Great models and yet what a real-world tragedy, caught so terrifyingly on movie film. The car and driver themselves had no responsibility for the accident that ensued.
These detailed replicas can and do honor the actual automotive beauty and accomplishments that these vehicles represent.
19/07/2021 11:05 am
I didn't know that was Mercedes responded. I've seen a documentary on that incident. The actual footage was horrifying.