The high-speed racing car transporter was originally built in the Mercedes-Benz test workshop in 1954 for the 1955 motor racing season. Unlike conventional commercial vehicles, it had no separation between the driver’s cab and the load platform, featuring a sporty silhouette with a top speed of 170 km/h (105 mph). Its purpose was to transport racing cars for the World Sports Car Championship in 1955, making it an essential link between the Stuttgart plant and race tracks across Europe.
The transporter was the first of its kind and stood out with its unique appearance, elegance, and speed, earning the nickname “Blue Wonder”. It featured an air brake behind the driver’s seat, providing relief to the drum brakes during high-speed braking. The interior was designed for long-distance comfort, adorned with chequered fabric from the racing and sports cars of the time.
Despite being a one-off vehicle, the transporter incorporated various components from production vehicles, harmoniously blended into its design. It was equipped with a six-cylinder M 198 engine from the 300 SL “Gullwing” super sports car and shared design elements with the sports cars and racing cars of that era.
While it no longer exists, a recreated version of the transporter based on historical documents from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archives has been on display in the Mercedes-Benz Museum since 2001, allowing fans of the Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows to admire the “Blue Wonder” once again.
| Top speed | 170 km/h |
| Engine | 2,996 cc, six-cylinder M 198 engine |
| Max. output | 141 kW (192 hp) / 5,500 rpm |
| Length | 6.75 m |
| Wheelbase | 2.9 m |
