Record-breaking Mercedes-Benz T 80 (1939): Achieving 3500 hp for the staggering 650 km/h speed
The Mercedes-Benz T 80, a symbol of innovation and ambition, was a land speed record car project that never came to fruition. Originally conceived in the late 1930s, this classic vehicle's journey was marred by the outbreak of World War II in 1939, causing a delay in its record run.
Despite the setbacks, the T 80 boasted several remarkable features. Its aluminium body, a mere 0.3 mm thinner than its British rivals, made it approximately half as heavy. This lightweight design was a testament to Mercedes-Benz's engineering prowess.
The T 80's powertrain was equally impressive. Equipped with a V12 aircraft engine, the DB 603, the car boasted a colossal displacement of 44.5 liters. This engine, still in the prototype stage, was capable of producing a peak power of 3500 PS (2574 kW) at 3460 RPM.
The T 80's unique features extended to its power transmission as well. Instead of a traditional transmission, it used a centrifugal clutch. Furthermore, to prevent the four rear drive wheels from spinning out, it employed a kind of traction control system.
In July 2018, the original chassis of the T 80 was restored by Mercedes-Benz, offering a glimmer of hope that this legendary car might one day take to the track. However, due to its status as a land speed record car and the complexities of its prototype engine, it is unlikely that the T 80 will ever be driven.
Initially, the T 80 was intended to be tested on German soil due to fears of seizure by American authorities. Yet, after the war, it was disassembled and stored for decades. In 1940, Daimler-Benz AG had even asked the government for financial support to continue the project, but the regime demanded the engine back to hand it over to the Luftwaffe.
Today, the Mercedes-Benz T 80 remains a fascinating chapter in the annals of motorsport history, a testament to the ambition and engineering prowess of its creators, and a reminder of the what-ifs that often colour the world of classic cars. It falls under the categories of motorsport, classic cars, and Mercedes, making it a treasured piece of automotive history.
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