From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Article from 'The Motor' magazine about Caracciola's land speed record runs in a streamlined Mercedes-Benz.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 161\1\ scan0025 | |
| Date | 3rd November 1936 | |
| FILE UNDER WIND RESISTANCE OR STREAMLINING 1380 The Motor November 3, 1936. 228 M.P.H. on the (Above) Flat out on the Autobahn at Frankfurt which, with characteristic German enterprise, was closed for the specific purpose of these record attempts. (Right) Tucked away in his cockpit; all that could be seen of Caracciola was his head. (Below) A bird's-eye view gives an excellent impression of the enormous width of the Mercedes and the very clean outline giving the very minimum of wind resistance. Access to the engine is obtained through the removable plate which can be seen on the top of the body. Twin rear wheels are used. Caracciola's Five Runs RECORD DETAILS. International Class B. (over 5,000 c.c., not exceeding 8,000 c.c.) First attempt.—A general trial. Second attempt.—One mile (f.s.): 348.175 k.p.h. (216.35 m.p.h.). One kilom. (f.s.): 341.55 k.p.h. (216.54 m.p.h.). Third attempt.—One mile (f.s.): 354 k.p.h. (219.97 m.p.h.). One Kilom. (f.s.): 351 k.p.h. (218.11 m.p.h.). Fourth attempt.—One mile (f.s.): 362 k.p.h. (224.94 m.p.h.). One Kilom. (f.s.): 358.5 k.p.h. (227.28 m.p.h.). Fifth attempt.—One mile (f.s.): Mean: Time, 15.785 secs.; Speed, 367.555 k.p.h. (228.07 m.p.h.). One kilom. (f.s.): Mean: Time, 9.88 secs.; Speed, 364.372 k.p.h. (226.42 m.p.h.). Five kilometres, flying start. Mean: Time, 52.85 secs.; 340.544 k.p.h. (211.62 m.p.h.). OLD RECORDS One mile (f.s.): T. Nuvolari (Alfa-Romeo, 6,315.6 c.c.), 323.125 k.p.h. (200.78 m.p.h.). One kilom. (f.s.): T. Nuvolari (Alfa-Romeo, 6,315.6 c.c.), 312.129 k.p.h. (199.75 m.p.h.). Five kilom. (f.s.): H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} Stuck (Auto-Union, 6,008 c.c.), 312.419 k.p.h. (194.13 m.p.h.). | ||