An incomparably fast vehicle The creators of the racing-car transporter had succeeded in squaring the circle. With its visual impact and technical perfection, they had created a unique vehicle. The racing department was given exactly what they had asked for: an unbeatably fast vehicle for transporting racing cars.
The X-shaped tubular frame of the 300 S was extended at the front and rear to provide ample space for a Mercedes-Benz racing vehicle on the load platform. The SL direct-injection petrol engine was installed just above the front axle. The four-speed synchromesh transmission with involute profiles was flanged to the engine along with a Daimler-Benz single-plate dry clutch.
The front axle comprised a double wishbone axle with coil springs and Fichtel & Sachs shock absorbers. The rear axle was a swing axle featuring hypoid gear with crown wheel and pinion, lowered and separate pivot points for the two axle carriers, coil springs, an additional torsion-bar spring and Fichtel & Sachs shock absorbers. The 3050 mm wheelbase was impressively long.
Hydraulic composite drum brakes on all four wheels with a pneumatic Bosch brake booster ensured reliable vehicle deceleration when fully laden (weighing in at almost 3000 kg). Safety was further enhanced by a disc brake installed between the propeller shaft and differential. The racing-car transporter also had an exhaust brake – a new feature in conjunction with a passenger-car engine.
In view of the heavy-duty work it was designed for, the original 3-litre, six-cylinder in-line engine taken from the 300 SL was reduced from 215 to 192 hp. With this output and a high torque rating of 25.8 mkg at 4700 rpm, the transporter comfortably reached a top speed of 160 to 170 km/h according to load.
All components were concealed under a sheet-metal skin that was a testament to the imagination, creativity, commitment and skills of the body makers.