The Mercedes-Benz W154 was a Grand Prix racing car designed by Rudolf Uhlenhaut. The W154 competed in the 1938 and 1939 Grand Prix seasons and was used by Rudolf Caracciola to win the 1938 European Championship.
Mercedes-Benz W154
A 1939-spec. W154 being demonstrated in 1986 by Hermann Lang
A W154 in 1938 configuration in the Mercedes-Benz Museum
W154 is among the most valuable exhibits of the National Technical Museum in Prague
Otto Wilhelm Rudolf Caracciola was a German racing driver. He won the European Drivers' Championship, the pre-1950 equivalent of the modern Formula One World Championship, an unsurpassed three times. He also won the European Hillclimbing Championship three times – twice in sports cars, and once in Grand Prix cars. Caracciola raced for Mercedes-Benz during their original dominating Silver Arrows period, named after the silver colour of the cars, and set speed records for the firm. He was affectionately dubbed Caratsch by the German public, and was known by the title of Regenmeister, or "Rainmaster", for his prowess in wet conditions.
Caracciola in 1928
Caracciola (left) and his riding mechanic Eugen Salzer celebrate after winning the 1926 German Grand Prix
Caracciola (seated) with his first wife Charlotte at AVUS, Berlin in 1931
Caracciola in practice for the 1929 Monaco Grand Prix. He finished third after a delay at a pit stop