Mercedes-Benz 300 SL W194 - 1952 Carrera PanAmericana & Hans Herrmann photo

Description

This image was taken before the
1952
(
third
) edition of the
Carrera PanAmericana
road race which was ridden in
Mexico
, on
November 23, 1952
. Shown in this gorgeous image is the nr. 4
Mercedes Benz 300 SL
a.k.a.
Mercedes Benz W 194
which was ridden by the German Mercedes-Benz works riders
Karl Kling
and
Hans Klenk
:
the winners of that years edition of the Carrera PanAmericana!
The photo was taken of the races future winner (who drove for Porsche) Hans Herrmann.
In
1952
, the original
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
(model
Mercedes-Benz W194
) scored overall wins at the 24 Hours of
Le Mans
, in Berne-Bremgarten, in the sportscar race of the Eifelrennen at the Nürburgring, and in
Mexico
's
Carrera PanAmericana
where this photo was taken
. It also managed second and fourth places at its first outing, the Mille Miglia in 1952. These successes, especially those on the high speed open road races, were rather surprising as the engine then was fitted only with carburetors, producing
175 hp
(130 kW). Low weight and low aerodynamic drag made the 300SL fast enough to be competitive, while reliability improved its chances of winning.
In
1952
the
Carrera Panamericana
saw the introduction of two categories - Sports Cars and Stock Cars, dividing what had previously been a single class, so American heavy saloons did not have to compete directly with the nimble European sports cars. The major automobile manufacturers had taken notice of the race and Mercedes-Benz sent a highly organized group of people and cars to the race. First and second places were won by Karl Kling and Herman Lang, driving the 300SL. This group may well have achieved a
1-2-3
finish had American John Fitch not been disqualified for permitting a mechanic to touch his 300SL on the penultimate day. American Chuck Stevenson won the touring car class in a Lincoln Capri. Famously, the victory of the Mercedes-Benz 300SL of Kling and Hans Klenk came despite the car being hit by a vulture in the windscreen. During a long right-hand bend in the opening stage, taken at almost
200 km/h
(
120 mph
), Kling failed to spot vultures sitting by the side of the road. As the birds scattered at the sound of the virtually unsilenced 300SL, one impacted through the windscreen on the passenger side, briefly knocking co-driver and navigator Klenk unconscious. Despite bleeding badly from facial injuries from the shattered windscreen, Klenk ordered Kling to maintain speed, and held on until a tyre change almost
70 km
(
43 mi
) later to wash himself and the car of blood, bird and glass. For extra protection, eight vertical steel bars were bolted over the new windscreen. Kling and Klenk also discussed the species and size of the dead bird, agreeing that it was a bird with a minimum 115-centimetre (
45 in
) wingspan and weighing as much as five fattened geese. Less famously, but with far greater implications, was the innovative use of pre-prepared 'pace-notes' which allowed Klenk to ascertain and communicate upcoming road bends in rapid shorthand to Kling. This system proved so effective that it is used in all motorsports involving a navigator today (such as rallying).
The
Carrera PanAmericana
was raced from 1950 through 1954. It was held on open roads in Mexico that ran from a southern Mexican west-coast city towards Texas. The race was formed to celebrate the competition of the Panamerican Highway. It was a multi-staged race across the country that counted towards the World Sportscar Championship. The race saw entrants from factory teams, privateers, and amateurs. On average, only one-third of the entrants were able to finish the race.
The first cars to run the race had top speeds of around
100 mph
. By 1954, the cars were easily running at
170 mph
. The vehicles were not adequately designed to protect the drivers at speeds this great. Being run on open roads meant that many areas of the course could not be managed; live stock, people, obstacles, and a number of other scenarios could make their ways into the road and cause disaster. The decision to cancel the race in 1954 was sad, but necessary.
Many people agree that the Carrera Pan Americana race was one of the most grueling road race ever conceived. The race was open to stock production vehicles. A few marque's took advantage of this difficult course to prove their vehicles stamina and toughness, Mercedes Benz were one of them!
This is a very nice and very rare non period photo that reflects a wonderful era of Mercedes ‘s automotive history in a wonderful way.
This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 9.5" (ca. 20 x 23 cm).
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.