Replica

In 1934 Daimler-Benz re-entered the Grand Prix with the W25 after suspending activities due to the Great Depression. The same year new Grand Prix regulations were enacted limiting the dry weight of race cars to 750 kilograms or less. Daimler engineers focused much development on reducing weight of the W25. Light alloys were used extensively for the engine and body, and countless holes were punched in the chassis frame to thoroughly reduce weight. Of course, the goal was to win, so efforts were also made to development a powerful engine. They went with an inline 8-cylinder DOHC supercharged 3360cc engine with a maximum output of 354ps, boasting a top speed of 270 km/h.

In June of 1934 the W25 was entered in its first race at the International Eifellenen at the Nürburgring. However, on the eve of the race, the team, which had been confident of a comfortable victory, was hit with a devastating predicament. At inspection, the W 25 was found to be overweight by the slightest margin: 1 kilogram. With the meticulous effort that went into the design, there did not seem to be an easy on-site fix. That was until the driver Manfred von Brauchitsch suggested removing the paint from the body. The entire team worked through the night to remove the white paint, leaving the aluminum body. This fixed the weight issue and gave rise to the Silver Arrow, which won the race with a commanding performance.