Return to Glory! The Mercedes 300 SL Racing Car

1952 was one of the most important years in Mercedes-Benz racing history; after a 13-year absence, it returned to motor sport competition with an automobile that rewrote the history of modern sports car racing.
The 300 SL’s debut was the culmination of a long, difficult road back to racing for Mercedes-Benz after a 13 year break. This book vividly depicts the 300 SL’s performance in the five races in which it competed in 1952, and tells the story of how it became the most successful competition sports car of that year. Through dramatic photographs, and equally stirring text, one of the greatest years of sports car racing is brought to life, filled with automobiles often finished in national racing colours, prepared by great factory teams, driven by men who were national sporting idols, and raced under gruelling conditions unique to the age.
From its Mille Miglia debut, through the Nürburgring, the Le Mans 24 Hours, to its greatest race, the Carrera Panamericana, the 300 SL’s career from conception to retirement is presented, culminating with a detailed photographic essay illustrating restoration of the oldest 300 SL in existence.

Additional Information

Covers the historic 1952 racing year.

Features

• Describes how Mercedes-Benz returned to racing in 1952
• Complete details of the 300 SL’s design and development
• Graphically portrays the victories of the 300 SL in 1952
• Reveals Alfred Neubauer’s world-class leadership and strategy skills
• Highlights the climactic Mercedes-Ferrari battle in the 1952 Carrera Panamericana
• Full details of the historic racing season of 1952
• Includes the full story of the first Mercedes-Benz victory at Le Mans
• Provides details of Fangio’s first race for Mercedes-Benz
• A treasure trove of evocative historic photographs with informative captions
• Dramatically concludes by graphically celebrating the oldest surviving 300 SL’s restoration