Mercedes-Simplex 60 hp "Gordon Bennett" racing car, 1903

Engine type:
M 14514
Inlet valves:
1 overhead valve per cylinder, actuated via push rod and rocker arm
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 (1 of them actuating only the ignition system), gear drive
Ignition adjustment:
Manually with lever on steering wheel
Combustion principle:
Four-stroke Otto
Crankshaft:
3-bearing (friction bearings of Magnalium)
Bore x Stroke:
140 x 51 mm
Fuel system:
1 Piston carburetor
Total displacement:
9293 cc
Spark plugs:
Ignition pins
Fuel supply:
Air pressure, via hand pump operated by co-driver
Compression ratio:
4.5
Maximum / output / rated output:
65 hp at 1100 /min; 60 hp at 1060 /min
Cooling:
Water circulation cooling via feed pump, honeycomb radiator
Maximum revolutions:
1150 /min
Lubrication:
Central exhaust-pressure lubrication via lubricating pump
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 magneto make-and-break ignition
Ignition system:
Bosch

Hand brake:
Acting on rear wheels
Foot brake:
Acting on transmission output shaft and countershaft
Steering:
Worm-and-nut steering
Wheels:
Wooden-spoke wheels with steel hubs and rims
Front tires:
910 x 100
Frame design:
U-section pressed-steel frame
Rear tires:
920 x 125
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)