Riverside Records: The Sounds of the Mercedes-Benz W125 and W163 (Audio)

The incredible sounds of the two greatest Grand Prix cars ever built: The sounds (audio) of the Mercedes-Benz W125 and W163, driven in special demonstration at Oulton Park, England (recorded at Oulton Park, England at the meeting of the Vintage Sports Car Club, June 27 & 28, 1958).

The Mercedes-Benz W125 was a Grand Prix racing car designed by Rudolf Uhlenhaut to race during the 1937 Grand Prix season. The car was used by Rudolf Caracciola to win the 1937 European Championship and W125 drivers also finished in the second, third and fourth positions in the championship.

There is some question as to  whether the Mercedes-Benz W163 can even be called a separate model from the W154 since the 163 actually refers to the new M163 engine which was also used on the W154 for the 1938 season. That engine was fueled by a witch’s brew of 86% methyl alcohol, with nitro-benzine, acetone and sulphuric ether mixed in giving the engine a whopping 2 mpg. Their rival literally had to “eat their fumes”. 105 gallons were carried in two tanks, one in the tail and the other under the driver’s seat. As the fuel emptied the driver would use a lever to compensate for the changing weight distribution.

Side 1 (18:04)

• The W163 warming up and at speed in the rain
• Peter Collins: comments and advice to Tony Brooks on characteristics of the cars
• Brooks takes off in the W163; Interview with Collins
• The W125 at speed, Brooks driving.
• Brooks: comments on the W125, comparisons with W163 and with contemporary Grand Prix cars

 

Side 2 (19:06)

• History of the W125 and W163; told by Carl Kling to Wolfgang Robinow
• Both cars fired up at the starting grid; the start; at speed