1954 Mercedes- Benz W 196

The Mercedes-Benz W196 was the Mercedes-Benz Formula One entry in the 1954 and 1955 Formula One seasons, winning 9 of 12 races entered in the hands of Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss.

Firsts included the use of desmodromic valves and, developed by Mercedes engineers through experience gained on the DB 600 series of engines used on the Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter and others during World War II, direct fuel injection.

The 300SLR was derived from the W196 for the 1955 World Sportscar Championship season.