Carl Benz had no desire to build race cars, noting that 30 mph was all that was prudent given the condition of roads. But his sons Eugen and Richard felt differently and modifications were soon made. This 120 horsepower Mercedes was fitted with the first six-cylinder engine designed by Wilhelm Maybach. When Grand Prix racing began in 1906 Mercedes entered a three-car team at LeMans, and Salzer went on to win the 5th Ardennes race.