The Mercedes Simplex is a automobile that was available from the year 1902 to 1909. The vehicle was available with either 5315 cc or 9236 cc in-line 4 engine that is capable producing about 41.7 hp at 1050 rpm along with a 4-forward/1-reverse transmission and it was able to reach a top speed of around 111.8 km/h. It also had large and wide body with a low center of gravity that was specially developed by Wilhelm Maybach in Stuttgart, Germany. The engine had magneto electric-spark ignition system along with single spray-nozzle carburetor for all the cylinders with new atomization system which has been improved by preheating. The Mercedes Simplex was available with a wheelbase of 3,540 mm and a weight of 1,250-1,400 kg. It also featured two powerful brake systems such as one hand-operated and other by foot. The main hand brake was available on the rear wheels along with drum brakes and secondary foot brake available with the chain drive’s intermediate driveshaft. Both the brake systems were water-cooled with the help of a sprinkling system over hot zones and both the axles were also rigid along with semi-elliptic springs. The radiator of the vehicle did not feature a fan and a set of vanes were mounted on the flywheel which helped to increase the air-flow all over the engine. The Mercedes Simplex was also used for racing purpose and it was able to defeat all its opponents to set new records.
