A Mercedes at Indy!

In 1947, for the second edition of the post-war Indianapolis 500, millionaire Don Lee decided to enter a pre-war Mercedes W154, that he had bought in Germany. Driven by veteran Duke Nalon, this Silver Arrow qualified on the first row, but had to retire in the race with a blown engine.

A second try with this car in 1948 with driver Chet Miller was not a success. We had to wait till 1994 to see the marque with the star return to the Speedway with Penske and the Ilmor engine winning the race with Al Unser Jr. The history books will also remind us that Ralph DePalma won the 1915 Indianapolis 500 in a Mercedes…