Wednesday 9th October 2013

Mercedes W25: Time For Tea?

1930s GP racer wheeled out for a memorable drive; try and spot subtle watch sponsorship

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Never judge a video by its title, that’s what we’ve learnt today. With the words ‘Mercedes Silver Arrow W25 back on the Klausen Hill Climb’ underneath a recently uploaded video, we got rather giddy at the prospect of some straight-eight fury enlivening our afternoon tea.

However, underneath that title sits the video publishers: IWC Watches. Oh. Ergo the first 90 seconds of the clip feature Mercedes latest F1 pin up, Mr L Hamilton, discussing the parallels between horological and motorsport experts. Sure, it’s interspersed with some interesting little W25 factoids, but there’s a sense of disappointment looming.

Stick with it though, as there’s some gold at the end of this clip. And, because we’re considerate, this video link will allow you to skip the dull intro. The Swiss valleys are alive with the sound of 30s Formula 1 as the W25 returns to Klausen, where it set a world record in 1934 by covering a mile in 30.7 seconds at an average of 317.5km/h (197.3mph).

The rather deranged fellow behind the wheel in 2013 even wiggles his way out of one of the hill climb’s tighter turns. Mad man. Keep a look out for IWC’s slogan towards the end also; it doesn’t exactly conform to the gender-equal beliefs we apparently live by...

 

[Life Saab Itch]

We'll that could have been a whole lot more than it was. Commissioned by a watch maker. spoiled by the watch maker.

[toppstuff]

Lets not overlook the fact that men were driving these cars at 200mph in 1934.

Nothing but a cotton overall and some leather brogues. No seat belts. No Hans protection. No safety aids at all.

And the cars had narrower rubber than a base Fiesta.

Brave times.

All funded by the Nazi party of course, they used the Silver Arrows to demonstrate German engineering and pride. When they turned up the UK scene was still dicking around in ERA's. The Silver Arrows turned up and changed everything.

The only comparison I could make, is if suddenly a team turned up in modern F1 with a car that could hover, was made of solid unobtanium and used alien science. It would have a similar impact to the impact they made in the 30's.

[sideways man]

Thanks Mr Toppstuff,I couldn't put it better myself. Just finished reading the Bernd Rosemeyer book,by Chris Nixon. Ok, he drove for Auto Union,but same era and similar power. Bernd was timed at 251 mph over 5 km. On the autobahn ffs!

I love cars and watches,this was an excellent TFT.

[ukmike2000]

Epic cars! In 1934 these racing cars were faster in a straight line than most of the aircraft of the time.

[Mike Brown]

What a noisy watch!!

[Speed Limiter]

Surely covering a mile in 30 seconds means an average speed of 120 mph, not 197? Perhaps 197 mph was the maximum speed achieved.

[joemaxi]

was thinking that too???

[loudlashadjuster]

Speed Limiter said:

Surely covering a mile in 30 seconds means an average speed of 120 mph, not 197? Perhaps 197 mph was the maximum speed achieved.

Also, 11 championships in 3 years? Grand Prix or championship races, perhaps.

Wheeling out the rapidly antipodean-sounding Hamilton doesn't help either.

Clumsy attempt, but nice seeing/hearing the W25 in any case.

[tram50]

'The legend lives on'

Its quite sad if the legend of a great racing car lives on in a watch!!

[soad]

Is this a fancy watch commercial?

[MonkeySpanker]

soad said:

Is this a fancy watch commercial?

Either that or it's a lesson in 'how not to grow a beard'

[toobusy]

sideways man said:

Thanks Mr Toppstuff,I couldn't put it better myself. Just finished reading the Bernd Rosemeyer book,by Chris Nixon. Ok, he drove for Auto Union,but same era and similar power. Bernd was timed at 251 mph over 5 km. On the autobahn ffs!

I love cars and watches,this was an excellent TFT.

Just been looking for the book - the watch looks cheaper....