Celebrating 70 Years of the Iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “722” Victory

Explore the legacy of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “722”, its 1955 Mille Miglia victory, and impact on motorsport engineering. Discover the story behind the legend.

Exactly 70 years ago, on the early morning of 1 May 1955, the car bearing the number “722” crossed the start line of the Mille Miglia. More than just a timestamp, the number marked the beginning of one of motorsport’s greatest triumphs. At the wheel: British driver Stirling Moss. Beside him: navigator and journalist Denis Jenkinson. Their Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR covered the thousand-mile Italian route at an average speed of 157.6 km/h, completing the race in 10 hours, 7 minutes, and 48 seconds. A landmark achievement in engineering and teamwork.

The car itself, a marvel of Mercedes-Benz engineering, was derived from the W 196 R Formula 1 racer. Yet it was adapted for public roads: complete with headlights, indicators, license plate, and a dashboard that resembled a passenger car. But appearances were deceptive—underneath was a true racing beast. An inline-eight engine with 276 hp, a rev counter that topped out at 11,000 rpm, a magnesium alloy body, and a tubular spaceframe—every element designed with racing precision.

Jenkinson’s innovative navigation played a vital role. Using a paper scroll held in a metal case, he relayed pacenotes to Moss throughout the grueling terrain. Narrow mountain roads, crowded towns, and flat-out straights were conquered with remarkable accuracy and control.

The victory at Mille Miglia was just one chapter in Mercedes-Benz’s extraordinary 1955 season. That year, the brand secured the World Sportscar Championship, Juan Manuel Fangio claimed the Formula 1 title, and the team triumphed at Targa Florio. Yet it was also a year of tragedy—though the Le Mans disaster that killed 83 people shocked the world, Mercedes-Benz’s withdrawal from motorsport had already been decided earlier, as the brand chose to focus on road car development.

Today, the original “722” is proudly displayed in the Mercedes-Benz Museum’s Legend Room. On the hood is Moss’s handwritten message: “We did it together – my thanks and affection.” Restored with care and authenticity, the car remains a beacon of inspiration for engineers, drivers, and motorsport enthusiasts alike.

A symbol of engineering brilliance, racing genius, and human determination, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “722” still echoes with the sound of victory, seven decades later.

Source: mercedes-benz.com