Riding in a classic Mercedes-Benz racing car is an experience unlike any other, immediately confirming its finely tuned engineering. There’s a distinct absence of understeer, yet the responsive 3.0-liter engine allows for a controlled, relaxed low-speed oversteer, showcasing the vehicle’s playful yet precise nature. However, as Gert, the driver, emphasized, sudden high-speed oversteer is something to be avoided, a testament to the raw power and potential of this racing machine. The 16-inch drum brakes, remarkably effective for a car of this era, are enhanced by a mechanical servo system, ensuring they are never taxing to operate, even under demanding conditions. Navigating the twists and turns of the Mercedes track, the lateral forces experienced are surprisingly intense, far exceeding initial expectations. Every aspect of the car conveys the impression of a meticulously developed racing machine, setting it apart from many of its contemporaries. This is not a vehicle designed for a fleeting moment of glory, but rather an enduring and robust racing instrument, built to withstand the rigors of competition.
Observing Gert’s effortless command at the wheel, his confident gear changes, evokes the same admiration described by Denis Jenkinson when watching Stirling Moss in action. Recalling the legendary Mille Miglia, Jenkinson recounted moments where car 722 would approach village entrances at seemingly excessive speeds. With an almost detached demeanor, Jenkinson would witness Moss expertly manage each situation, his internal commentary simply being, “this is going to be interesting. Now I am going to watch the master at work!” Such was his unwavering faith in Moss’s skill that fear was never a factor. Moss, in turn, often expressed complete trust in Jenkinson’s pace notes. If signaled – communication being impossible over the engine’s roar – that an upcoming corner was “flat in third,” Moss executed it without hesitation. When circumstances permitted, Jenkinson transitioned into the role of an avid observer. On one occasion, traveling at approximately 190 mph, they gradually overtook an airplane filming them from above. He recounted to his family, “That is when I realized that I was traveling in another, surreal dimension,” encapsulating the extraordinary sensation of racing at such velocity in a Mercedes-Benz.
