Anniversaries

January 2023

Mercedes engine with overhead intake valves

21 January 1903

DMG delivers the first new Mercedes of the model year 1903 – the 18/22 hp Mercedes-Simplex. The engine is the first to be fitted by DMG to feature overhead intake valves activated by push rods.

Benz and Daimler deliver prize-winning aeroengines

27 January 1913

The Benz FX, a 9.6 litre four-cylinder engine with a rated output of 105 hp / 77 kW, wins the Imperial Prize introduced the previous year for the best German aeroengine. The 90 hp / 66 kW Mercedes DF 80 – a 7.2 litre six-cylinder unit – is ranked second, whilst Benz & Cie. also accounts for the third-placed engine.

Sindelfingen plant operates independently

1 January 1918

Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft's Sindelfingen plant, which was previously under the management of Untertürkheim, becomes an independent operation.

Staff-friendly: eight-hour working day

1918

The eight-hour working day is introduced at Benz & Cie.

432.7 km/h: speed record in a Mercedes-Benz

28 January 1938

On the Frankfurt - Darmstadt Autobahn (motorway) Rudolf Caracciola reaches a speed of 432.7 km/h for the kilometre with flying start. This is the fastest speed ever achieved on a normal public road - a record that remains unbeaten to this day

Ladies team driving Mercedes-Benz 220 SE wins "Coupe des Dames"

19 - 26 January 1963

Ewy Rosqvist and Ursula Wirth win the "Coupe des Dames" at the Monte Carlo Rally, driving a Mercedes-Benz 220 SE.

"Stroke Eight" and other new products in Hockenheim

9/10 January 1968

The "New Generation of Mercedes-Benz" is unveiled at Hockenheim. Alongside the new 2.8-litre models 280 S, 280 SE (W 108), 280 SE Coupé and Convertible (W 111) and 280 SL (W 113), a newly-developed mid-range series makes its debut, comprising the 200 D, 220 D, 200, 220 (W 115) and the 230 and 250 (W 114). The "/8" added to the model designation, which refers to the year the car was launched, serves internally to distinguish the new from the previous models. The mid-range series is popularly known as the "Stroke Eight" on account of this.