It all started in 2001, when Mercedes-Benz workers found some mysterious auto parts in a warehouse. After a close look, it turned out they were from a one-off race car made in 1938, the 540 K Streamliner.
Needless to say, the folks from Mercedes-Benz Classic decided to restore it, although that meant building from scratch every part that no longer existed, using the archives. It was a lot more than that though. Every detail needed to be individually made or tracked down in the Mercedes-Benz Classic collection, as the restoration had to be done using the same manufacturing techniques from the late 1930s.
More specifically, “using only the technical skills, methods and materials of the period from which the vehicle originates.”
Built to participate in the long-distance Berlin–Rome race, the Mercedes-Benz 540 K Streamliner had a lightweight aluminum body shell developed in the wind tunnel and was powered by a 180PS (177hp) 5.4-liter inline 8-cylinder supercharged engine. It was based on a chassis from the standard 540 K production model, but was much faster thanks to its lightweight shell and slippery body.
Unfortunately, the 540 K never had the chance to compete because the Second World War started, but after the restoration it hit the test track for a maximum speed test, with the magical moment being captured in the 45-minute long video documentary posted below, alongside the entire restoration process.