Mercedes-Simplex 40 hp racing car, 1902

A development based on the first Mercedes. This car dominated the races in 1902.

Inlet valves:
1 side valve per cylinder
Ignition sequence:
1-3-4-2
No. of cylinders / arrangement:
4 / in line
Outlet valves:
1 side valve per cylinder
Configuration:
Front, longitudinal; vertical
Valve operation:
2 lateral camshafts, gear drive
Ignition adjustment:
Manually
Combustion principle:
Four-stroke Otto
Crankshaft:
3-bearing (friction bearings of Magnalium)
Bore x Stroke:
118 x 150 mm
Fuel system:
2 spraying nozzle carburetors
Total displacement:
6560 cc
Spark plugs:
Ignition pins
Fuel supply:
Air pressure, via hand pump operated by co-driver
Maximum / output / rated output:
40 hp at 1000 /min
Cooling:
Water circulation cooling via rotary pump, honeycomb radiator
Lubrication:
Oil cataract, immersion lubrication and drop-feed lubricator
Cylinders:
Gray cast iron, cylinders cast in pairs
Cylinder head:
Gray cast iron, cast in one piece together with cylinders
Starter:
Starting crank
Generator:
Not fitted
Battery:
Not fitted
Ignition:
Low-voltage make-and-break ignition with continuously rotating armature
Ignition system:
Bosch

Hand brake:
Acting on rear wheels (1 lever per wheel)
Foot brake:
Acting on transmission output shaft and countershaft
Steering:
Worm-and-nut steering
Wheels:
Wooden-spoke wheels with steel rims
Front tires:
910 x 90
Frame design:
Pressed-steel frame
Rear tires:
920 x 120
Front wheel suspension:
Rigid axle with semi-elliptic springs
Drivetrain:
Transmission to differential countershafts, via side chains to rear wheels
Rear wheel suspension:
Rigid axle with semi-elliptic springs
Brake system:
Mechanically actuated, water-cooled
Front brakes:
Not fitted
Rear brakes:
Inside shoe brakes (rear wh.), external band brakes (transm. output shaft, countershaft)