A Motor Trip to Florida - Outstanding 1931 Home Movie

Monza Italy Grand Prix Preview, 2025

We head to Monza aiming for a more consistent and straightforward weekend than at Zandvoort. At times, we looked to have decent pace that would enable us to fight for the podium. Despite starting P11, Kimi progressed through the field well and, were it not for the contact with Leclerc, would likely have been challenging those ahead in the closing stages. For George, his race was also compromised by an incident with the Ferrari. He did a good job to bring solid points home in P4 despite carrying significant floor damage.

The Italian Grand Prix is a special weekend with a great atmosphere. For Kimi it is a second home race of the season. Whilst that will be exciting for him, we know his focus will be 100 per cent on doing the job on track. The competitive order behind McLaren is close and we will have to be at our best if we are to continue closing the gap to second in the Constructors'.

Fact File: Italian Grand Prix

• Monza is nicknamed ‘Temple of Speed’ and for good reason. Recorded top speeds through the speed trap during the Grand Prix typically top 350 km/h.
• Due to the long straights and large portion of lap spent in eighth gear, Monza is one of the lowest tracks for gear changes per lap, with only 29.
• No circuit on the 2025 calendar sees the driver spend a higher percentage of the lap at full throttle than Monza. This equates to 76% of lap time, and 82% of lap distance.
• The run to the first corner from pole is one of the longest on the calendar at 476m. Only Spain, Silverstone, and Mexico are longer.
• The high-speed nature means the Italian Grand Prix is often one of the shortest races of the year. If run uninterrupted, it usually takes around one hour and 15 minutes from lights out to the chequered flag.
• Monza can also prove to be one of the hottest races of the season for air temperature, with averages highs of 28.2C, and 31.3C max.
• The circuit contains just 11 corners, four to the left and seven to the right. That is the second fewest of the year, behind only Austria which has 10.
• The Italian Grand Prix is the only Grand Prix to have appeared on every single F1 calendar since 1950.
• No circuit in F1 history has held more Grands Prix than Monza, which will host its 75thrace in 2025.
• Mercedes has recorded seven wins at the Italian Grand Prix. Two with Juan Manuel Fangio in 1954 and 1955, four with Lewis Hamilton and one with Nico Rosberg.
• In 2021, Monza hosted the F1 Sprint format, which was won by Valtteri.
• George won races at Monza at both GP3 (2017) and Formula 2 (2018) levels.
• 2025 will be Kimi Antonelli’s first-ever Italian Grand Prix in F1. It comes at the circuit where he made his first FP1 rookie debut in 2024.
• Kimi won races at Monza in Italian F4 in 2022 and FRECA in 2023.

Dutch Grand Prix, 2025, Zandvoort -- a Preview

Fact File: Dutch Grand Prix

• In general, Zandvoort has an old-school feel, with fast and flowing corners, a mix of corner speeds, undulations, gravel traps and banked turns. It is a unique challenge for the drivers and puts many aspects of an F1 car to the test.
• Zandvoort is also unique in its location, nestled in the rolling sand dunes and next to the beach on the West coast of the Netherlands. The main straight is the closest part to the coast and the back section winds its way through the dunes.
•  Because of the many high-speed changes of direction, where the mass of the car can work against you, Zandvoort has the highest mass sensitivity of the year – which means, carrying more fuel will be more penalising.
• The Dutch Grand Prix first appeared on the F1 calendar in 1952. This year will be the 35thedition of the race, which has always taken place at Zandvoort.
• The circuit is the second shortest on the 2025 calendar at 4.2km, only Monaco is shorter.
• Zandvoort also has the second highest number of laps (72) of all the circuits on the 2025 calendar. Again, only Monaco (78) has mo

• Zandvoort is the third-quickest lap time of the season, behind the Red Bull Ring and Interlagos.
• Given its narrow nature, the pit lane in Zandvoort was one of only three to have a 60km/h speed limit. From this weekend onwards, however, a speed limit of 80km/h will be in place. Monaco and Singapore are now the only two tracks where the pit lane speed limit is 60km/h.
• It is the third highest track for downforce sensitivity, which means a track where maximum or very high downforce is required. The only two tracks that are higher than Zandvoort are Budapest and Monaco.
• The 2023 Dutch Grand Prix holds the record for the most on-track overtakes in an F1 race, with 186.
• Mercedes’ only Dutch Grand Prix win came in 1955 with Juan Manuel Fangio at the wheel.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class W108/109 : Models were introduced in 1965

 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 of the 109 model series. Close-up shot of the sequence of numbers, referring to the displacement, on the right on the rear lid from the year 2025. (Photo index number in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archive: D856854)

• Debut in August 1965: The 108 model series redefines automotive luxury – 109 follows soon after
• Stylish concept by Paul Bracq combines harmonious design and high functionality
• With V8 and electronic fuel injection, ushering in a new era of engine manufacturing from 1969 on
• Detailed information on these direct predecessors of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Classic M@RS
• Genuine spare parts: Windscreens in three versions are available again

Fashion, architecture and automobiles: the 1960s are a decade of change and innovation. The design is characterised by modern, understated aesthetics with clear lines and functional shapes. As this era kicks off, Mercedes-Benz presents the new luxury class model: the 108 model series with types 250 S, 250 SE and 300 SE are in the spotlight at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt am Main (IAA) in 1965. The 300 SEL follows in 1965, featuring an extended wheelbase and a technically outstanding, comfortable air suspension, and is given its own model series number: 109. As classics, these two predecessors of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class have long been acclaimed and are held in high esteem. 

A milestone in modern automotive design

The developers and designers of the new Mercedes-Benz luxury class generation have delivered the best and the finest once again. Straight lines, a low roofline and extensive, elegantly shaped glass elements: in his design of the 108/109 model series, stylist Paul Bracq combines functionality, comfort and elegance in a vehicle which is harmonious and very individual at the same time. He emphasises the horizontal, gives the clear lines vitality and masterfully balances proportions. The radiator grille, which is typical of the brand, now has an almost square format. The result remains convincing to this day: model series 108/109 appear attractive and modern without falling victim to the whims of short-term fashion. 

With their outstanding design, high levels of driving comfort and generous dimensions which impart a sense of unimpeded space, these vehicles go on to become the best-selling luxury saloon of their time. They stand in the unique Mercedes-Benz tradition of elegant luxury class vehicles, which bear the designation S-Class with the successor model series 116 from 1972 on. Ever since, they have been a synonym for innovative and individual luxury automobiles. This is currently embodied by the 223 model series from Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach. It consistently continues the tradition.

Best technology for safety, performance culture and driving comfort

All versions have disc brakes all round and brake force limiters on the rear axle. In addition, a hydro-pneumatic compensating spring located there balances the rear in the case of heavy loads. Initially, six-cylinder engines are used. In the types with an “E” in the designation, complex six-piston pumps handle fuel allocation. In 1969, the company presents the 300 SEL 3.5 with the new V8 engine M 116 with 3.5-litre displacement and Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection. Some export markets, such as the USA, receive the sister engine M 117 with 4.5-litre displacement. It is the first time that large-scale-produced V8 engines are used at Mercedes-Benz. 

Top model with the V8 drive train of the Mercedes-Benz 600

As early as March 1968, the top model 300 SEL 6.3 with the powerful V8 drive train of the representative vehicle Mercedes-Benz 600 (W 100) secures an advantage in terms of prestige which cannot be matched. It is the predecessor of later power saloons: with 6.3-litre displacement, it achieves driving performance on a level with contemporary sports cars. A total of 6,526 customers opt for this particularly powerful version, showing that luxury, performance and sportiness align perfectly at Mercedes-Benz. 

From 1965 to 1972, the 108/109 model series are part of the sales range, and statistics indicate over 382,000 vehicles sold – an impressive number for this generation of the Mercedes-Benz luxury class, and an outstanding success for the market segment at that time. This is also the reason why so many of these vehicles are still available today. 

After a considerable increase in price about ten years ago, the high price levels for vehicles belonging to the 108/109 model series have risen slightly even further. For example, a 280 SE 3.5 in good condition (Grade 2) has now surpassed the EUR 30,000 mark, while the 300 SEL 6.3, as the top model, plays in a league all its own, not only technically but also regarding value: top vehicles (Grade 1) are already going for over EUR 90,000. 

1955-1956 ERA PACKING PROVING GROUNDS TESTING

A fabulous video. The topic of engineering at the proving grounds, instrumentation, and the relationship between the staff and the development engineers at the main office demands further investigation. 

April 1971 Brochure --- Mercedes R 107 Information on the New 350 SL