Mercedes-Simplex
The Mercedes Simplex was the successor to the Mercedes 35 hp. From 1902 to 1906 various models developed at Daimler -Motoren-Gesellschaft in Cannstatt in 1904, and in Untertürkheim:
Mercedes Simplex 40/45 hp ( 1902-1905 )
In the autumn of 1901, Maybach set about the development of the first Mercedes model series. As a new top model and the direct successor of the Mercedes 35 hp was the first Mercedes Simplex 40/45 hp. The wheelbase grew to 2450 millimeters, its operation has been simplified by "automatic " disengagement and braking of the drive shaft when operating the shift lever. This early improvement in the ease of use was reflected in the suffix " Simplex" down.
The outer dimensions of the engine remained untouched, bore and stroke will be amended. The engine capacity increased to 6786 cc, the power increased to 45 hp (33 kW). The camshafts were encapsulated, and there was only one carburetor, served his new pre-heating of the better Zerstäuberwirkung the Maybach air nozzle.
Also the cooling experienced improvements. The 60 centimeter diameter fairly large flywheel was vanes which ensured the airflow of the radiator and engine compartment. For this, the radiator fan fell off, the engine compartment got cover and baffles, the sub-frame was covered with sheets. An idea that seemed inspiring to subsequent motor designs around the world. The cooling water consumption fell by a further two liters from seven.
In order to further increase the engine power just, the car received a second foot brake, which acted as a band brake on the intermediate shaft of the chain drive. All four brakes - including the drum brakes on the rear wheels and the drive shaft brake - were cooled with water spray that dripped on the friction surfaces when operating from a reservoir.
Other structural measures made the Mercedes Simplex to a 942 -kilogram lightweight with good chances of winning consistently against the much heavier competition. The first copy of this car was brought on 1 March 1902 Emil Jellinek to Nice on the way. In the local race weekends, the new model was an immediate success: How the Mercedes 35 hp the previous year, this time the 45- hp vehicle won the hill climb Nice - La Turbie in a new record time. He became the forefather of all Mercedes racing and sports cars of the future generations. " Mercedes Simplex " was all the rage and nobody suggested lower as Kaiser Wilhelm II to a quip. In the automotive exhibition in Berlin in March 1903, he can know Wilhelm Maybach: "Yeah, beautifully your engine! But, well, he is quite as simplex yes again not. "
The fifth Mercedes Simplex 40/45 PS was William K. Vanderbilt Jr., the American billionaire fan who already owned a Mercedes 35 hp, passed on March 14, 1902 in Cannstatt from DMG. He immediately launched into a 600 - mile tour to Paris, where he arrived on the evening of the second day of travel. On May 3, he took on the road to Chartres Ablis of a record attempt over a kilometer with flying start, and succeeded him. The maximum speed of the Mercedes- Simplex was measured at 111.8 km / h. Participation in then-popular long-distance races and always new record runs in Europe and America were for Vanderbilt Jr. sporting pastime, consolidated the reputation of the Mercedes - along with that of his driver - and brought the DMG in ever increasingly prominent buyers.
This Mercedes Simplex 40/45 hp from 1902 of William K. Vanderbilt Jr. is now known to the oldest existing Mercedes and one of the few surviving copies of this model. Its history can be traced back completely.
1923 earned him an emigrant to America German racing mechanic who operates a Mercedes garage. " Mercedes Joe" cared mainly about movie stars and their cars. The simplex is a replacement part vans. 1930 bought him the Scripps family, rich newspaper people from San Diego. He served until the early 1940s the Scripps children as a driving school car. Later, he was still on the Scripps Ranch until he had been served and dahindämmerte in a barn.
Bill Evans Sr. acquired it in 1960 by the Scripps and put it in his 1953 built the Bahia Hotel in San Diego. His research brought to light that there was indeed a model 1902. Secure clues were the front axle made of a tube and the swinging, only in this model from 1902 at the front end of the frame leaf springs.
The street version of this car had the enormous price of 60,000 gold marks (today about 310 200 euros ).
Mercedes Simplex 28/32 hp ( 1902-1905 )
In addition to the above-mentioned model was also a smaller car (wheelbase: 2500 mm) available with a four cylinder engine (only) with 5320 cc displacement, the ( 24,2 kW) made 33 hp. In the other details he met the above-mentioned model. Its maximum speed was 60 km / h The price of this car was 20,000 gold marks (about 103,400 euros ), only one third of that of the first model.
Mercedes- Simplex 60 hp ( 1902-1905 )
There was also a larger model with a wheelbase of 2750 mm and a four-cylinder engine with 9240 cc and a power 70 hp (51 kW). Its top speed was 120 km / h
The engine was very large, pendulous intake valves (diameter: 88 mm ) is executed. The stationary exhaust valves had 60 mm diameter. The charge cycle of this alternating controlled motor could be controlled by a sliding rack that changed the lift of the intake valves.
The purchase price reached 25,000 gold marks (about 129,250 euros ) even with this great car far from the regions of the 40/45 hp - car. The Belgian Camille Jenatzy won with this car to victory in the Gordon - Bennett race of 1903.
Mercedes Simplex 36/65
1905-1909 A touring car was based on the 60 hp built with 65 hp as Double Phaeton.
Mercedes Simplex 18/22 hp ( 1903-1904 )
The role of the small sports car played this model with 3050 cc and 22-25 hp ( 16 to 18.4 kW). Its wheelbase was only 2100 mm. The vehicle reached as much as 80 km / h
The cars had a sequential gearshift cam and a clutch with metal jaws.
For this car, DMG called for a purchase price of 11,000 gold marks (about 56 870 euros ).
Mercedes Simplex 18/28 hp ( 1904-1906 )
The above-mentioned sports car received a bigger engine with 4084 cc and 30 hp ( 22 kW) in 1904. The track was widened by 90 mm and it went back to the normal setting circuit. On the performance of this changed nothing.
By 1905 the name " Simplex" fell for all Mercedes models away.
Swell
- Schrader, Halwart: German automobiles, Volume 1, 1885-1920, motor -Verlag, Stuttgart ( 2002), ISBN 3613022117