18 wheeler

Amidst rising political tensions in Europe, the Automobile Club de France staged what has gone into history as one of the greatest races of all time, the 1914 French Grand Prix. Appropriately enough, it was also won by one of the finest racecars ever produced; the Mercedes 18/100 Grand Prix.

Scheduled for 4 July 1914, the sixth French Grand Prix was held just one week after the Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated. Racing in those days was a very nationalistic affair and these real-world events added to the tension for the entries in the most prestigious race of the year.

There was a record entry of 37 cars, purpose built by 13 manufacturers that represented the six countries competing, most of whom would be at arms before the end of the month. No privateer entries were permitted, and each manufacturer could enter a maximum of five cars.

Pre-race, all eyes were on defending champion, Peugeot, and the French manufacturer’s main challenger, Mercedes.

The 1914 French Grand Prix was also significant in that it was the first motor race run with a displacement limit, in this case 4.5-litres. Another major restriction was a set weight range of 800-1100kg, excluding fluids and tools.

In order to be competitive, an all-new, high-revving engine and a modern propellor-shaft drivetrain was needed.

The 1913 French GP-winning Peugeot was a hugely sophisticated and influential design that featured an engine with twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Mercedes did not compete in the race that year, but had already started work on its new design for the following season. To better grasp what would be needed to win the big race in 1914, Mercedes