1922 Mercedes Racing Special

This car was constructed in 1922 in England for Lord Scarisbrick. It incorporates a World War I Benz aircraft engine of 19 liter displacement installed in an early Mercedes chain-drive chassis. The car was known as 'Rabbit the First,' 'Rabbit' being the nickname of Lady Scarisbrick, who frequently rode with Lord Scarisbrick. The car was a competitor with 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' and raced on the beach at Fanol Island, Denmark, in 1923, setting a record of 120 mph. At the invitation of the Danish Automobile Club, the car returned to Fanol Island in 1999 and duplicated the record run with David North at the wheel. Several years ago, it raced at Ormond Beach and beat a 'D' Jaguar in the final race. It was owned for a number of years by the architect Peter Helck before being acquired by the North Collection.