LIMITED EDITION OF 2000 PIECES
The annual endurance race of the Mille Miglia attracted a very impressive group of competitors in 1955. Mercedes-Benz had big plans up its sleeve, so it sent over a fleet of four racing cars, all of the type 300 SLR, which was to make its debut here. Piloted by world-famous top drivers, the 300 SLR was intended to be a passport to victory over such hard competitors as Ferrari, Maserati, and Aston Martin. Half of Italy was on its feet to follow the national racing highlight of the year.
At 7:01 on the morning of May 1, 1955, the 300 SLR with starting number 701 (starting number = starting time) left the launch pad in Brescia, with Karl Kling (no co-pilot) behind its wheel to attempt the 22nd championship of the 1,600 km-long Mille Miglia.
After the turning point in Rome, bad luck struck: Karl Kling had to swerve sharply to avoid a spectator who was crossing the road carelessly. His SLR crashed into the roadside ditch, and it was badly damaged. Miraculously Kling was uninjured, but there was no way for him to continue the race.
CMC recreated the original Karl Kling’s car down to the smallest detail in a limited edition of 2,000 units worldwide.
