In the annals of automotive history, few names resonate with the raw power and audacious speed of the Blitzen Benz. Born in 1909 from the ambitious vision of Benz engineer Julius Ganss, this machine was conceived to shatter records and redefine the limits of velocity. Tasked with creating a car capable of exceeding 200 km/h, Ganss turned to the formidable 150-hp engine from the Benz Grand-Prix car as a starting point. However, achieving such a monumental speed demanded more.
The engineers at Benz & Cie. responded with a time-honored solution: increased displacement. They pushed the engine’s capacity to a staggering 21.5 liters, a size that remains unparalleled in the history of Benz and Daimler-Benz racing and record-chasing vehicles. Initially producing 184 hp at 1500 rpm, clever engineering tweaks soon elevated the output to a breathtaking 200 hp at 1600 rpm. This colossal engine, designated internally as the “200-hp Benz,” weighed a substantial 407 kg, embodying power in both performance and sheer physical presence.
The engine, bearing serial number 5100, initially found its home within the chassis and body of the Benz grand-prix car. It was under this guise that Fritz Erle, a Benz designer and later head of testing and motorsport, piloted the 200-hp machine to victory at the Frankfurt/Main kilometer race on August 22, 1909. Erle’s blistering run, completing the kilometer from a flying start in just 22.6 seconds (averaging 159.3 km/h), earned him the prestigious Grand Duchess of Hesse prize, demonstrating the nascent potential of this speed demon.
The car, still cloaked in its grand-prix attire, continued to dominate. Victor Hemery, joining the Benz team, showcased the car’s superiority in a Brussels sprint race on October 17. Then, on November 8, 1909, at the newly inaugurated Brooklands circuit in England, Hemery etched the Blitzen Benz into history. He shattered the European land-speed record, becoming the first to breach the 200 km/h barrier on the continent, achieving an average speed of 202.7 km/h over a kilometer from a flying start. This landmark achievement validated the car’s purpose as a record-breaking marvel. Further records tumbled as Hemery conquered the kilometer from a standing start in 31.326 seconds and matched the mile record of Darracq at 41.268 seconds.
While the Blitzen Benz was conquering speed trials, engineers in Mannheim were diligently crafting a new, aerodynamic body. By late 1909, the car emerged with its definitive and iconic form. Erle and Hemery prioritized minimizing wind resistance, resulting in an exceptionally narrow body. This design necessitated external placement of the gearshift and handbrake levers, as well as the exhaust system, with only subtle bulges in the hood accommodating the exhaust rocker arms. A tall, slender radiator core sat behind a prominent brass grille, topped by a ‘bird’s beak’ expansion tank, lending the record-breaker its distinctive and aggressive visage. The rear of the car tapered into a streamlined, pointed tail. Inside, the driver and co-driver, responsible for manually operating the gasoline pump, were positioned intimately shoulder-to-shoulder.
The legacy of the Blitzen Benz reached across the Atlantic when two models found their way to America. Bob Burman, a Buick works driver, unleashed the car’s full potential at Daytona Beach on April 23, 1911. On the vast expanse of the Daytona sands, Burman achieved an astounding average speed of 225.65 km/h for the mile and 228.1 km/h for the kilometer from a flying start. This new land-speed record remained unchallenged until 1919, solidifying the Blitzen Benz‘s dominance. At its zenith, the car was twice as fast as contemporary aircraft and eclipsed the 1903 rail speed record of 210 km/h, demonstrating its unparalleled velocity in its era.
One unique Blitzen Benz, chassis number 6, was sold to Mr. M. Heje in Belgium in 1913. This particular model, powered by engine number 13280, featured an extended chassis and a four-seat touring body, making it a distinctive departure from the record-breaking racers. Despite its touring configuration, this Blitzen Benz also participated in record attempts at Brooklands. After a long period in England, it was acquired by an American collector in 2002, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
The Blitzen Benz stands as a testament to early automotive ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of speed. It not only broke records but also captivated the world with its power and groundbreaking design, firmly establishing itself as a true legend in automotive history and a cornerstone of the Mercedes-Benz heritage.
(Gallery: 1909 Benz 200HP Blitzen-Benz Gallery)
