1903 Mercedes Simplex 40 PS Tonneau

1903 Mercedes Simplex 40 PS Tonneau

The Mercedes Simplex 50 HP was launched in March 1902. The suffix 'Simplex' was intended to indicate how easy the new model was to drive. The previous model, the Mercedes 35 HP, marked the end of the carriage style that had dominated the industry; the 40 HP is now considered to be the first modern motorcar, especially in the world of motorsport. The pioneering British racer, E.T. Stead drove a 40 HP to first place in the 1902 La Turbie Hillclimb near Nice, reaching speeds of more than 60 mph and beating Georges Lemaitre and Wilhelm Werner, who were driving similar models.

This car, delivered to its first owner in March of 1903, is one of the oldest Mercedes in the world. It has taken part in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on several occasions.

Descriptions & pictures by conceptcarz & mbca & Wikimedia & mercedes-benz-passion & other