We're back on the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed topic, with a story that makes ex-Stig Ben Collins' 2017 F-150 spin look like child's play. And that's because we're here to show you a tête-à-queue involving a machine whose value is so great, that it's almost impossible to estimate.
We're talking about the Blitzen Benz, an early 20th-century speed record car. Imagine how it must feel to lose control in one of these, given the fact that, out of the six cars built, only two survive.
For one thing, this wasn't just a land speed record mechanical hero. Oh no. After achieving that purpose at Brooklands back in 1909, the Blitzen Benz achieved an absolute speed record two years later (land, air and water) at Daytona Beach. The contraption managed to deliver an average of 141.7 mph (228.1 km/h) over a distance of one mile.
While one of them plays the role of a museum star for Mercedes-Benz, the other is the opposite of that, being owned by a US collector who enjoys the high-velocity thrills of the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
OK, so what happened at the Festival of Speed?
The 2016 edition of the British event saw the Blitzen Benz returning, with driver William Evans spinning his way through the first corner. The combination between the wet track, the skinny tires and the downright surreal manhandling experience such a vehicle requires led to the spectacular stunt.
Fortunately, the Benz, which is animated by a 21.5-liter engine, didn't even get a scratch in the process. This means we're inviting you to hit the "play" button below and enjoy the stunt without the slightest trace of guilt.
P.S.: Perhaps the machine did try to warn its owner on the grip mayhem about to be unleashed - pay close attention to the start of the 200 hp racecar and you'll understand.
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
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