• Legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “722” returns to Brescia
• The prolific winner of the 1955 Mille Miglia passed away last year
• Mercedes-Benz Classic digital book of condolence

Stuttgart. Mercedes-Benz pays tribute to Sir Stirling Moss at the place where he celebrated his greatest success: in a homage to the outstanding racing driver, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR (W 196 S) will be driving off the starting ramp at the start of 1000 Miglia in Brescia, Italy, on 16 June 2021. It was at the wheel of this racing car with the famous start number 722 that Stirling Moss and his co-pilot Denis Jenkinson claimed the victory at the 1955 Mille Miglia with a record that will last for eternity. It took them just 10 hours, 7 minutes, and 48 seconds to cover the 1,000 miles. Their average speed of 157.65 km/h was never surpassed in the Mille Miglia road race, which was held until 1957. Sir Stirling Moss passed away in London on 12 April 2020 at the age of 90. The 1000 Miglia regularity rally, one of classic motorsport's international top events, will be taking place this year between 16 and 19 June 2021.

Mercedes-Benz Classic has provided a digital book of condolence as a tribute to the unforgotten racing driver. Access it at www.mercedes-benz.com/stirlingmoss and mb4.me/stirlingmoss.

“As a tribute to a great character and racing driver, Sir Stirling Moss, Mercedes Benz will take the 300 SLR with start number 722 to Brescia this year and showcase the vehicle on several occasions during the 1000 Miglia,” Christian Boucke says as the Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic. The original vehicle from the company’s own collection will initially be showcased in a striking glass cube outside the Museo Mille Miglia between 12 and 14 June 2021. The museum is located within the facilities of former Santa Eufemia della Fonte monastery outside Brescia. Two days later, on 16 June 2021, fans will be able to experience the legendary Mercedes-Benz racing car in action: in a tribute to Sir Stirling Moss, the 300 SLR “722” will be showcased on the starting ramp on Viale Venezia ahead of the start of the 375 vehicles participating in this year’s 1000 Miglia. The legendary racing car featuring the 3-litre eight-cylinder engine generating 228 kW (310 hp) and an unforgettable sound will then drive off the ramp and through Brescia's historic old town.

In 1955, Stirling Moss competed in the Sports Car and Formula 1 World Championship at the wheel of the 300 SLR (W 196 S) and the W 196 R Grand Prix racing car as a Mercedes-Benz works driver, finishing second behind his team mate and eventual Formula 1 World Champion Juan-Manuel Fangio. Victories of Moss at several Sports Car World Championship races made a crucial contribution to Mercedes-Benz claiming the championship – in addition to the win at the Mille Miglia, he claimed the top spot at the RAC Tourist Trophy in the UK and at Targa Florio in Italy.

In 1956, 1957 and 1958 Moss once again came second in the Formula 1 World Championship, while claiming third place between 1959 and 1961. The Englishman brought his career to a close following a serious accident at the 100 Miles of Goodwood on 30 April 1962. As a Mercedes-Benz Brand Ambassador, Moss was a very welcomed guest at classic motorsports events around the globe until shortly before his death. At many of these events he once again got behind the wheel of Mercedes-Benz Classic racing cars to skilfully, quickly and safely steer them around the track, much to the delight of fans. Something he often said came from the heart: “I've always been proud to be part of the Mercedes-Benz family.”

Mercedes-Benz Italy will take part in the 1000 Miglia with a further icon: a 300 SL Coupé (W 198). John Cooper Fitch and Kurt Gessl (start number 417) claimed the category title and 5th place in the overall ranking of the 1955 Mille Miglia with a vehicle of this model.