It may be the fastest car that never drove a mile. The Mercedes-Benz T80 was built to chase a t80 land speed record, and it was finished before World War II stopped it.
In the late 1930s, German racer Hans Stuck worked with engineer Ferdinand Porsche on the project. Their goal was a top speed that would shatter the existing land speed record and set a new benchmark.
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Specifications of the t80 land speed record bid
The T80 had six wheels and a 44.5-liter V-12 aircraft engine. The engine was originally built for military planes.
Engineers tuned the engine to produce about 3,000 horsepower. The target was 750 km/h, or 466 mph, on a closed stretch of the German Autobahn.
Engineering and cost
The car included a mechanical anti-spin control system. It also ran on a specialized, highly combustible fuel mixture.
According to the historical account published at vintag.es, the T80 cost the equivalent of $5 million in today’s money. The car was complete and prepared for a record run scheduled for January 1940.
Why the run never happened
Germany invaded Poland in September 1939. The war halted the attempt almost at once.
The aircraft engine went back to the military. The chassis went into storage and survived the war.
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The T80 never ran on an open road, so its top speed remains untested. Today the car is on display at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. It stands as a preserved reminder of the record that was never measured.
Source: designyoutrust.com
Frequently asked questions
Why did the Mercedes-Benz T80 never make its record attempt?
Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, and the war halted the attempt almost immediately. The record run had been scheduled for January 1940, and the aircraft engine was returned to the military.
What engine powered the Mercedes-Benz T80 land speed record car?
The T80 used a 44.5-liter V-12 aircraft engine that was originally built for military planes. Engineers tuned it to produce about 3,000 horsepower.
How fast was the Mercedes-Benz T80 designed to go?
The T80 was built to reach a target speed of 750 km/h, or 466 mph. The planned run was to take place on a closed stretch of the German Autobahn.
Where is the Mercedes-Benz T80 displayed today?
The T80 is on display at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. Its top speed was never tested on an open road.
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