Mercedes GP

Mercedes GP

Early in the twentieth century Grand Prix were few and far between, the races were not only a sport between drivers, but a fight for pride between manufactures and countries. The most important race was the Grand Prix de l'Automobile Club de France which in 1908 was run over 10 laps on a 76.989km/47.840mi public road circuit at Dieppe. Christian Lautenschlager won the race in a Mercedes, spending over 7 hours to complete the 10 laps. The Mercedes he drove was built to the minimum weight of 1100kg with no fuel consumption limit.

Renault had won the 1906 race, but Italy's FIAT took the prize in 1907. The French pride was at stake for 1908, but the best the country could do were French drivers finishing 2nd and 3rd, but driving German Benz cars. Fourth place was the first French car a Clment-Bayard which finished 34 minutes behind the German winner.

Mercedes GP captures Phil Hill posing with the 1908 Mercedes GP car at the Portland International Raceway in 1980. The car and driver were being photographed by Road & Track photographer John Lamm as part of the magazine's Salon series.