85 Years Ago: Rudolf Cracciola sets a World Speed Record, 432.7 km/hr

 

28 January 1938, Rudolf Caracciola sets a world speed record for public roads on the Frankfurt–Darmstadt motorway at 432.7 km/h in the record-breaking Mercedes-Benz W 125 V12 car. Photo during the record run, in the background the Zeppelin hangar near Frankfurt am Main. (Photo signature of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archives: R5682)

28 January 1938 – 85 years ago

World record: Rudolf Caracciola reaches 432.7 km/h on the Frankfurt–Darmstadt motorway

• Mercedes-Benz V12 supercharged engine with 541 kW (736 hp)
• Drag coefficient of only cW= 157
• The world speed record holds for 79 years

In the 1930s, world record runs are as important as Grand Prix races. Mercedes-Benz and other leading manufacturers are chasing after new records. On 28 January 1938, there is a climax: the record-breaking cars from Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union compete against each other on a section of the Frankfurt–Darmstadt motorway. Rudolf Caracciola, the most successful driver of an entire era, starts for the brand with the three-pointed star. He becomes European champion three times in the 1930s. The title can be compared to that of today’s Formula One world champion. For the world speed record on public roads over the flying kilometre, the average value of the outward and return journey is determined. Caracciola reaches 432.7 km/h. This record holds for 79 years: it isn’t until 2017 that another vehicle is faster. The record-breaking Mercedes-Benz car based on the W 125 Grand Prix racing car has a drag coefficient of only cW = 0.157. It is powered by a 5.6-litre twelve-cylinder engine. Two Roots superchargers increase the output to 541 kW (736 hp). Today, the record-breaking car is part of the permanent exhibition of the Mercedes-Benz Museum. During the record attempts, a tragic accident occurs: Bernd Rosemeyer is at the starting line for the competing Auto Union – and has a fatal accident during his record attempt.