Mercedes Simplex

Various models of the Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft from 1902 to 1910 are designated as Mercedes-Simplex , which were given the addition of simplified operation. The addition disappeared in 1905, so the last models never had this addition. The Simplex models are the successors to the Mercedes 35 PS , which were built in Cannstatt from 1902 and in Untertürkheim from 1904 .

40 hp, 40/45 hp, 45 hp, 26/45 hp

Mercedes-Simplex 40 hp from 1902

Engine intake side with piston carburetor, encapsulated intake camshaft and open valve stems and springs

Hand brake lever for the rear drum brakes, steering column, exhaust flap regulator and "lubrication trumpet".

Honeycomb cooler with integrated water expansion tank and acetylene headlights

The third seat

Mercedes-Simplex 40 hp (1902–1903)

In the autumn of 1901, Wilhelm Maybach began developing the first Mercedes model series. As the new top model and direct successor to the Mercedes 35 PS, the Mercedes-Simplex 40 PS was initially created . The wheelbase grew to 2450 mm and its operation was further simplified by "automatic" disengaging and braking of the drive shaft when the gear lever is operated. This early improvement in ease of use was reflected in the “Simplex” suffix.

The external dimensions of the engine remained unchanged, but the bore and stroke were changed. The displacement grew to 6786 cm³, the power increased to 45 HP (33 kW). The camshafts were encapsulated and there was only one carburetor, the new preheating device of which was used to improve the atomizing effect of the Maybach air nozzle.

The cooling was also improved. The flywheel, which is quite large with a diameter of 60 cm, was fitted with guide vanes that ensured the air flow through the radiator and engine compartment. Instead, the radiator fan was omitted, the engine compartment was given cover plates and baffles, and the underside of the car was sealed with metal sheets. An idea that inspired subsequent engine designs all over the world. The cooling water requirement fell by a further two liters to seven.

Clutch (left) and the pedals for the two independently working outer band brakes on the gearbox

In order to do justice to the increased engine power, the car received a second foot brake, which acted as a band brake on the intermediate shaft of the chain drive. All four brakes - including the drum brakes on the rear wheels and the cardan brake - were cooled with spray water that, when actuated, dripped from a reservoir onto the friction surfaces. Further constructive measures made the Mercedes-Simplex a 942 kg lightweight with good chances of winning against the consistently heavier competition. The first copy of this car was sent to Emil Jellinek in Nice on March 1, 1902 . At the race week there, the new model was immediately successful: Like the 35 hp Mercedes a year before, this time the 45 hp car won the Nice – La Turbie hill climb in a new record time. It became the forefather of all Mercedes racing and sports cars of the next generation. “Mercedes-Simplex” was on everyone's lips and suggested none other than Kaiser Wilhelm II to a bon mot . At the automobile exhibition in Berlin in March 1903 he let Wilhelm Maybach know: “Yes, your engine is wonderful! But, well, he's not that simple either. "

The fifth Mercedes-Simplex 40 PS was handed over to William Kissam Vanderbilt II , a US billionaire and car fan who already owned a Mercedes 35 PS , on March 14, 1902 in Cannstatt by DMG. He immediately started on a 600 km tour to Paris, where he arrived on the evening of the second day of travel. On May 3rd, he attempted a one-kilometer flying start on the road from Ablis to Chartres, which he succeeded in doing. The top speed of his Mercedes-Simplex was measured at 111.8 km / h. Participation in long-distance races, popular at the time, and ever new record drives in Europe and America were a sporty pastime for Vanderbilt Jr., cemented the reputation of the Mercedes - including that of its driver - and brought DMG increasingly prominent buyers. This Mercedes-Simplex 40 PS from 1902 owned by William K. Vanderbilt Jr. is, as far as we know today, the oldest existing Mercedes and one of the few surviving examples of this model series. Its history can be traced back completely.

Hand pump to build up pressure in the tank and lubricating oil reservoir before starting the engine, pressure gauge for checking. Above the fuel quantity regulator

In 1923 he was bought by a German racing mechanic who had emigrated to America and who ran a Mercedes workshop. “Mercedes Joe” took care of movie stars and their automobiles. The Simplex serves as a spare parts transporter. In 1930 he was bought by the Scripps family, wealthy newspaper people from San Diego. It served the Scripps children as a driving school car until the early 1940s. Later he ran on the Scripps farm until it was out of service and dawned in a barn.

Chain drive

Bill Evans Sr. bought it from the Scripps in 1960 and placed it in his 1953 Bahia Hotel in San Diego . His research revealed that it was actually a 1902 model. Safe reference points were the front axle made from a tube and the leaf springs that were only movably suspended from the front end of the frame in this model from 1902.

The street version of this car had the enormous purchase price of 60,000 gold marks (equivalent to around 406,700 euros today ).

Mercedes-Simplex 40/45 hp (1904)

The designation changed to 40/45 HP , with the first number indicating the nominal power and the second number the effective power.

Mercedes 45 hp (1905–1909)

The designation changed again, whereby, as with all models, not only the Simplex addition, but also the nominal performance designation was omitted.

Mercedes 26/45 hp (1909-1910)

For the last two years, the name changed one last time, as Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft joined the VDMI regulation and now put the tax class in front of the performance.

The successor is the Mercedes 28/50 hp, which was available with cardan and chain drive .

28 hp, 28/32 hp, 35 hp

Mercedes-Simplex 28 hp (1902–1903)

In addition to the Mercedes-Simplex 40 PS, the Mercedes-Simplex 28 PS was also offered, a smaller car (wheelbase: 2500 mm) with a four-cylinder engine with (only) 5320 cm³ displacement, which developed 33 PS (24.2 kW). In the remaining details it corresponded to the aforementioned model. Its top speed was 60 km / h. The price of this car, at 20,000 gold marks (equivalent to around 135,600 euros today ), was only a third of that of the first model.

Mercedes-Simplex 28/32 hp (1904)

The designation changed in 1904 to 28/32 hp , with the first number indicating the nominal power and the second number the effective power.

Mercedes 35 hp (1905–1909)

The designation changed again, whereby, as with all models, not only the Simplex addition, but also the nominal performance designation was omitted. The 32 hp were increased to 35 hp for the type designation.

The successor is the Mercedes 35 PS with cardan drive , which was renamed the Mercedes 22/35 PS shortly after its introduction.

20 hp, 18/22 hp, 18/28 hp

Mercedes-Simplex 20 hp (1902–1903)

As the smallest series of Simplex models, the Mercedes-Simplex 20 HP appeared in 1902.

Mercedes-Simplex 18/22 PS (1903-1904)

This model with a displacement of 3050 cm³ and 22-25 HP (16-18.4 kW) played the role of the small sports car. Its wheelbase was only 2100 mm. The vehicle still reached 80 km / h.

The cars had sequential gears with cam plates and a clutch with metal shoes.

For this automobile, DMG called for a purchase price of 11,000 gold marks (equivalent to around 74,600 euros today ).

Mercedes-Simplex 18/28 hp (1904–1905)

The aforementioned sports car received a larger engine with 4084 cm³ displacement and 30 hp (22 kW) in 1904. The track was widened by 90 mm and you went back to the usual gate circuit. This did not change anything in terms of performance.

60 hp, 90 hp

Mercedes-Simplex 60 hp (1904)

Mercedes-Simplex 60 hp (1902–1905)

There was also a larger model with a wheelbase of 2750 mm and a four-cylinder engine with 9240 cc and an output of 70 hp (51 kW). Its top speed was 120 km / h.

The engine was designed with very large, hanging inlet valves (diameter: 88 mm). The vertical outlet valves were 60 mm in diameter. The gas exchange of this alternating-controlled engine could be regulated via a sliding rack that changed the lift of the intake valves.

The purchase price of 25,000 gold marks (equivalent to around 169,500 euros today ) even for this large car was far from reaching the regions of the 40/45 hp car.

The Belgian Camille Jenatzy won a Mercedes-Simplex 60 hp racing car to victory in the Gordon Bennett race of 1903 . The car was made available to DMG by the US enthusiast Clarence Gray Dinsmore after the 90 hp racing cars originally intended for the race were destroyed in a fire.

Mercedes-Simplex 90 PS (1903)

There was a racing car version with 90 hp, but the cars were all destroyed in a serious fire in June 1903 at the DMG plant in Cannstatt .

55 hp, 31/55 hp

Mercedes 55 hp (1905–1909)

From 1908 the Mercedes 55 PS supplemented the sales range. Just like the Mercedes 70 PS released at the same time, its concept was similar to the Mercedes 45 PS.

Mercedes 31/55 hp (1909-1910)

Similar to the other models, the tax horsepower was introduced as part of the type designation in 1909 .

There is no direct successor to this model.

65 hp, 36/65 hp

Mercedes 65 hp (1905–1909)

1905–1909 a touring car with 65 hp as a double phaeton was built on the basis of the 60 hp .

Mercedes 36/65 hp (1909)

Similar to the other models, the tax horsepower was introduced as part of the type designation in 1909 . This model ended in the same year. The Mercedes 38/70 PS with chain drive can be seen as the successor.