Mercedes-Benz built the 300 SLR racing sports car (known internally as the W 196 S) on the basis of the W 196 R Formula 1 racing car to compete in the 1955 sports car world championship. With engine displacement pushed up from 2.5 to 3 litres, the 300-hp-plus powerhouse - which gave its name to the new SLR - went on to become a truly legendary car. Added to which, the victory of Stirling Moss and co-driver Denis Jenkinson in the 1955 Mille Miglia at the wheel of a 300 SLR has secured its own place in history. Moss completed the 995 mile race across Italy in a sensational time of 10 hours, 7 minutes and 48 seconds, setting an average speed of 98 mph - faster than anyone before or since. The motor-racing press spoke with one voice of a “masterpiece of automotive art”. The 300 SLR and its drivers were literally unbeatable in every race that season and Mercedes-Benz finished the year at the top of the constructors' world championship table.