23 PS Daimler Phoenix racing car.

The 23 PS Phoenix was Daimler’s most powerful racing car in 1900. Its high centre of gravity, heavy 660-pound engine and short wheelbase – which was extended for the variant shown here – made it difficult to control. Following a serious accident in the Nice – La Turbie race in March 1900, Wilhelm Maybach set about building a new racing car: the first Mercedes.

  • Cylinders 4
  • Displacement 336 cu in
  • Output 27 PS (20 kW)
  • at engine speed 900/min
  • Top speed 50 mph