"In 1938, Mercedes-Benz began production of the largest, most luxurious limousine in the world. A machine of frightening power and sinister beauty, the Grosser 770K Model 150 Offener Tourenwagen was 20 feet long, seven feet wide, and tipped the scales at 5 tons. Its supercharged, 230-horsepower engine propelled the beast to speeds over 100 m.p.h. while its occupants reclined on glove-leather seats ... Armor plated and equipped with hidden compartments for Luger pistols, the 770K was a sumptuous monster with a monstrous patron: Adolph Hitler and the Nazi Party ... Most of the 770Ks didn't make it out of the rubble of World War II. But several of them did. And two of them found their way ... to the United States"--Provided by publisher.
Critically acclaimed author Robert Klara's The Devil's Mercedes chases down one of the most improbable stories of the postwar era: the national drama that erupted when Hitler’s armored limousine surfaced in the US. In 1938, Mercedes-Benz began production of the largest, most luxurious limousine in the world. A machine of frightening power and sinister beauty, the Grosser 770K Model 150 Offener Tourenwagen was 20 feet long, seven feet wide, and tipped the scales at 5 tons. Its supercharged, 230-horsepower engine propelled the beast to speeds over 100 m.p.h. while its occupants reclined on glove-leather seats stuffed with goose down. Armor plated and equipped with hidden compartments for Luger pistols, the 770K was a sumptuous monster with a monstrous patron: Adolph Hitler and the Nazi party. Deployed mainly for propaganda purposes before the war, the hand-built limousines—in which Hitler rode standing in the front seat—motored through elaborate rallies and appeared in countless newsreels, swiftly becoming the Nazi party’s most durable symbol of wealth and power. Had Hitler not so thoroughly dominated the scene with his own megalomania, his opulent limousine could easily have eclipsed him. Most of the 770Ks didn’t make it out of the rubble of World War II. But several of them did. And two of them found their way, secretly and separately, to the United States. In The Devil’s Mercedes, author Robert Klara uncovers the forgotten story of how Americans responded to these rolling relics of fascism on their soil. The limousines made headlines, drew crowds, made fortunes and ruined lives. What never became public was how both of the cars would ultimately become tangled in a web of confusion, mania, and opportunism, fully entwined in a story of mistaken identity. Nobody knew that the limousine touted as Hitler’s had in fact never belonged to him, while the Mercedes shrugged off as an ordinary staff car—one later abandoned in a warehouse and sold off as government surplus—turned out to be none other than Hitler’s personal automobile. It would take 40 years, a cast of carnies and millionaires, the United States Army, and the sleuthing efforts of an obscure Canadian librarian to bring the entire truth to light. As he recounts this remarkable drama, Klara probes the meaning of these haunting hulks and their power to attract, excite and disgust. The limousines’ appearance collided with an American populous celebrating a victory even as it sought to stay a step ahead of the war’s ghosts. Ultimately, The Devil’s Mercedes isn’t only the story of a rare and notorious car, but what that car taught postwar America about itself.
This is a history of the epic battles in the 1930s between the supercharged Grand Prix cars of Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union. The picture book presents a comprehensive portrait of the golden age of motor racing.
Street Supercharging, from industry veteran Pat Ganahl, has been the guidebook for supercharging fans for years, As time and technology march on, updates are required to keep things current, and that's exactly what this all new, all color edition of street supercharging does. Covered are blower basics, blower background and history, a tutorial on how blowers work, information on used superchargers and their practicality, chapters on the different styles of superchargers, like the traditional roots style blowers vs. the emerging centrifugal styles, blower installation, how to build your engine to handle the demands of a blower application, and even information on tweaking factory blower systems.
This is a complete guide to selecting, installing, and tuning forced-induction fuel/air systems. Everything involved with these systems will be covered, including assessing power goals, component selection, engine preparation, tools, installation procedures, tuning, vehicle modifications, driveability, and sources.
The supercharger has become a modern, environmentally friendly and powerful piece of bolt on equipment. For anyone interested in installing a system or just learning about them, this book is a must have.'
Buying a car is a personal choice that has become a more complex decision because of advances in technology, and reliability issues that are haunting some car makers. Many consumers look to Zack Spencer, the host of Driving Television, for straightforward, no-nonsense, expert advice. In Motormouth, you will find out which vehicles are the safest, most reliable, and best value for your hard-earned dollar. In an easy-to-understand format, you will get: Fuel economy ratings Pros and cons for performance, handling, comfort, and ease-of-use Standard safety features J.D. Power Initial Quality and Dependability scores Base warranty information Engine specifications Pricing for base models Reviews of option packages and trim levels Zack's Top Picks for each category Zack provides insider buying tips to help you, whether you are buying privately, off the internet, or making the rounds to different dealers. He also advises you on your decision to lease, purchase or finance. At your fingertips are strategies and lessons learned from people's adventures in car buying, some with happy endings and others not-so-happy. From a fuel-sipping family friendly hauler to a rubber-burning luxury sports car, you can rely on Motormouth 2011 edition for the information you need to make a wise purchase decision. Go prepared and don't get stuck with a lemon. Take Motormouth along for the ride.
Award-winning writer Richard Williams tells the remarkable story of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the world's most iconic motorsports events, which celebrates its centenary in 2023. The event was created by a group of Frenchmen in 1923 and remains uniquely compelling to spectators, to the major motor manufacturers who continue to see it as an opportunity for priceless publicity, as well as to drivers hoping to add their names to its distinguished roll of honour. Between the wars, those manufacturers included Bugatti, Bentley and Alfa Romeo. Subsequently, Ferrari, Jaguar, Mercedes, Aston Martin, Ford, Porsche, Audi and Toyota have all been serial winners, guaranteeing the continuation of ferocious inter-marque rivalry. Over the decades the race acquired a rich folklore, including stories of leaking petrol tanks being sealed with chewing gum, one competitor making his last pit-stop for a fill-up and a glass of champagne, or the woman who drove her MG through the night wearing a fur coat. Competitors have included princes, debutantes, drug smugglers and a Nazi spy. Leading Hollywood film-makers lured to the romance of the race include Steve McQueen, who conceived and starred in Le Mans in 1971, and James Mangold, who made Le Mans ’66 in 2019. But in 1955 it had also been the scene of the greatest tragedy ever to befall motor racing, when 82 people were killed by a competing car, an accident that for a while threatened the sport’s entire future. From the Bentley Boys of the 1920s, through record-breaking multiple winners Jacky Ickx and Tom Kristensen to modern stars such as Allan McNish, 24 Hours celebrates the skill, courage and technical brilliance of the men and women who gave the race its worldwide renown.
