LIMITED EDITION OF 2000 PIECES
After several years of absence, Daimler-Benz decided to return to the Grand Prix races in 1934, aspiring to put its brand back into the public spotlight once again.
A new Grand Prix regulation, however, was being enforced that allowed only cars weighting 750 kg or less to participate. Mercedes’ answer to the regulation change was the type W25. It was a sleek and aerodynamically-shaped car with an overhanging headrest and a sidewise-installed exhaust manifold.
The first true test for the W25 came at the Eifel race, which took place at the famous Nürburgring on June 3rd, 1934. Unfortunately Mercedes found its regular pilot, Rudolf Caracciola, not fully recovered from injuries sustained prior to the race. As a result, the young daredevil, Manfred von Brauchitsch was given the chance to prove himself.
Before the race started, however, Mercedes encountered a serious problem at the car approval office. The W25s weighed 1 kg too heavy according to the new regulations. To reduce the weight, the team worked overnight to sand off all the white paint, thus revealing the shiny aluminum body underneath. This new appearance and subsequent success of the car gave rise to the legend of the “Silver Arrows”.
