22 Sep 2003Bolide Competition
Our latest competition is to win tickets to a special screening of Stephen Fry's brilliant new film, "Bright Young Things"
The film satirises the wild excesses of the inter-war years and includes action scenes shot on the Brooklands Banking which feature some wonderful 1930s cars. The film should - we hope - provide enough car-related action for the most ardent petrolheads
25 Aug 2003New Photo Gallery - Mercedes 190 Speed Record Run
We've a new Photo gallery this week from the Mercedes-Benz archives. Early in the life of the 190, Mercedes set out to break a number of long-distance speed records at Nardo in the then-new Mercedes 190 2.3-16. With a cylinder head engineered in the UK by Cosworth, Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection, a five-speed manual box, aerodynamic changes and and innovative new multi-link rear suspension system - self-levelling in this model - the 190 2.3-16 was the first 4-valve production Mercedes
At Nardo, after 201 hours, 39 minutes and 43 seconds, two of the cars had clocked up 50,000 kilometres and set a new World record with an average speed of 247.939 km/h. Replacement parts carried on board in compliance with the regulations had not been required - the cars had run perfectly despite the extreme strain. The third car was three hours adrift, held up by a broken distributor rotor arm which - according to the regulations - had to be repaired rather than replaced
The cars went on to claim twelve new records, and bespoilered versions later were to compete in German Touring Car racing. Good examples of the 2.3-16 are now thin on the ground in the UK, but they're probably still good for that record-breaking 150 mph top speed...
Nardo, Southern Italy, August 13-21st 1983 - 12.64026 kilometre track
World records 25,000 km 247.094 km/h 25,000 miles 247.749 km/h 50,000 km 247.939 km/h
International class records 1,000 km 247.094 km/h 5,000 miles 246.729 km/h 1,000 miles 246.916 km/h 5,000 km 246.914 km/h 10,000 km 246.826 km/h 10,000 miles 246.839 km/h 6 hours 246.798 km/h 12 hours 246.628 km/h 24 hours 246.713 km/h
Website of the Week
Mailing lists aren't quite as sexy as websites, we know, but sometimes they're a lot more useful. We've chosen a collection that should be of interest to all Mercedes fans, and it's our Website of the Week
18 Aug 2003Website of the Week
Rotary engines never seemed to fire the enthusiasm in the way they should have - but that doesn't prevent them from being popular. See our Website of the Week
11 Aug 2003Festival of Speed
This year's Goodwood Festival of Speed drew a record 158,000 people to a sleepy area of West Sussex. The benefit to the local economy, to the motorsport industry and to the economy as a whole must run into many millions of pounds - and all the result of the determination of one man. Lord March inherited more than a title and an estate in Sussex - he also inherited a love of motorsport and an ability to make things happen
In a summer when the Government proves it doesn't know what it's doing, when we're threatened with losing the British Grand Prix and when good news is thin on the ground, it's sometimes difficult to remember what we do well. When that happens, think back to three glorious days of sunshine, noise and spectacle at the Goodwood Festival of Speed
Website of the Week
Volvo race car? Don't laugh - our Website of the Week has lots of practical tips for anyone considering converting a saloon car for racing
04 Aug 2003Website of the Week
A charming French website with a Gallic view of the classic car scene is this week's Website of the Week
28 Jul 2003Website of the Week
No Urban Legend has more staying power than this one - the tale of a rocket strapped to car and the resultant sticky end. But does this website give the true story behind the legend? The truth is out there... at our Website of the Week
14 Jul 2003Website of the Week
Retro race galleries don't get much better than this - a great collection of F1 and slicks'n'wings formulae since the sixties. Swinging! See our Website of the Week
30 Jun 2003Website of the Week
Track Days a little too soft for you? Bored with UK speed limits? Want to take your road car to the limit and beyond? What you need is a trip to The Green Hell... See our latest Website of the Week
