Mercedes Benz T80: A Land Speed Record Marvel

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In the annals of automotive history, the Mercedes-Benz T80 stands as a testament to ambition, engineering prowess, and the impact of global events. Developed in the late 1930s by the iconic Ferdinand Porsche, this six-wheeled marvel aimed to break the world land speed record. Despite its grand design and powerful specifications, the T80 never made the attempt, derailed by the outbreak of World War II.

Mercedes Benz T80 Top Speed

Hans Stuck, a renowned German auto racer, envisioned the T80 as the vehicle to secure the world land speed record. Backed by Mercedes-Benz and officially supported by Adolf Hitler, the project commenced in 1937. Originally targeting a speed of 550 km/h, the goal was raised to an ambitious 750 km/h by late 1939.

Mercedes Benz T80 Engine

The heart of the T80 lay in its colossal 44.5-liter Daimler-Benz DB 603 inverted V12 engine. Derived from the DB-601 aircraft engine, it boasted a staggering 3,000 horsepower, running on a specialized mixture of fuels. The engine, a technological marvel of its time, played a crucial role in the T80’s pursuit of unparalleled speed.

Mercedes Benz T80 Interior & Exterior

By 1939, the T80 was completed at a cost of RM 600,000. Weighing over 2.7 metric tons, the car incorporated Josef Mickl’s aerodynamic expertise. With a drag coefficient of 0.18, achieved through innovative design elements like enclosed cockpit, sloping bonnet, and small wings for stability, the T80 was a marvel of engineering.

The Unfulfilled Destiny

The T80’s destiny was thwarted by the onset of World War II. Scheduled for a record attempt on the Reichsautobahn Berlin — Halle/Leipzig in January 1940, the war intervened, and the T80, unofficially dubbed “Schwarzer Vogel” (Black Bird), never roared to life. The vehicle was moved to safety in Austria, surviving the war and finding its place in the Mercedes-Benz Museum.

Specifications

Total Weight: 2,896 kg
Power: 3,000 hp at 3200 rpm
Engine: 44.5 liters
Dimensions: 8.128m x 1.753m x 1.245m
Drag Coefficient: 0.18
Speed: 373 MP/H

Today, the T80 is showcased at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt, a silent witness to a chapter in automotive history that remains both awe-inspiring and unfulfilled. Today Mercedes Benz T80 price in India is approximately ₹330,60,200.

Also Read: Lamborghini Veneno Price in India: Top Speed, Interior & More!

Does the Mercedes T80 exist?

Yes, the Mercedes T80 does exist. It was a real project developed by Mercedes-Benz in the late 1930s.

How fast could the Mercedes T80 go?

The Mercedes T80 was projected to achieve a speed of 750 km/h (466 mph).

How much did the Mercedes T80 cost?

The Mercedes T80 was fully completed by 1939 at a cost of $RM 600,000. The T80 cost is about $4 million in today’s USD Approximately ₹330,60,200

Where is the Mercedes T80 now?

The Mercedes T80 is currently on display at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt.

Is T80 the fastest car?

The T80 was designed with the goal of being the fastest car, but it never had the opportunity to attempt the land speed record. Projected speed of 750 km/h (466 mph).

How many T80 were made?

Only one Mercedes T80 was produced as it was a unique project aimed at breaking the land speed record.

Is T80 better than T-72?

The Mercedes T80 and the T-72 are entirely different vehicles designed for different purposes. The T80 is a historical land speed record car, while the T-72 is a Soviet-designed main battle tank.

How big is the Mercedes T80?

The Mercedes T80 is over 8 meters (26 feet) long, with a width of 3.20 meters (10 feet 6 inches) including the wings.

Are Mercedes-Benz fast?

Mercedes-Benz produces a range of vehicles with varying speeds. Some models are known for their speed and performance, especially in the sports and luxury car segments.

How long is Mercedes T80?

The Mercedes T80 has a length of 8.128 meters (26 feet 8 inches).

What is the speed of mercedes t80?

The projected speed of the Mercedes T80 was 750 km/h (466 mph).