Mercedes-Benz WINNING! Book Review

Mercedes-Benz Winnings! is a book for the true three-pointed aficionado. Written and compiled by veteran motoring writer Adil Jal Darukhanawala, the book takes you through the 120 year history of Mercedes and its accomplishments in the field of motorsport.

Adil, who has played a significant role in shaping automotive journalism in India, says he began writing this book inadvertently 38 years ago. The book takes its reader through more than a century of the German automaker’s detailed racing history like clockwork. What’s more, the second section of the book, which is the history of the brand in India, has lots of original content put together by Adil himself from years of research. Even though he clearly states that the book is by no stretch of imagination, the history of Mercedes-Benz, it sure covers a lot of it. It is also filled with a substantial amount of high quality visuals; 977 to be precise. From technical chassis images to mid-corner oversteer racing action shots, all backed by descriptive captions, the book has it all.

Starting with the first section of the book – the motorsport history of Mercedes-Benz – Adil sets the ball rolling with how Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach were about to put the whole world on wheels back in the 1800s. He starts off the motorsport bit with none other than the first motor race in the world – the 1884 Paris to Rouen. Quotes and stunning line art from the competition takes one back in time. There’s also general automotive history in there that helps one connect with the period.

Furthermore, explained in good detail are the engineering developments, power-gains and aerodynamic bodywork that went on to help Mercedes-Benz break speed barriers and win countless races all through the 1900s. Adil’s coverage of the Grand Prix, land speed record holders, IndyCar, Le Mans, rally and the comparatively contemporary F1 motorsport history makes this a must have for motorsport enthusiasts too.

The second section of the book is dedicated to the history of Mercedes-Benz in India. From the oldest example still existing in India to the latest top of the line S500 which is now manufactured in India, the book covers it all. Another chapter Adil has thoroughly illustrated is the Tata-Mercedes-Benz joint venture. He explains, “The success story of Tata-Mercedes-Benz almost never happened, and in case you wonder why, the fact is that if Hindustan Motors and/or some of its people at the helm then had fulfilled their promises made to Daimler-Benz A.G. in early 1950, it would have been Hindustan-Mercedes-Benz in trucks, and also in cars!” With the “small page” in Mercedes-Benz history and the Indian automotive history, the book isn’t just for Mercedes-Benz aficionados, but for automotive enthusiasts in general.

Book - Mercedes-Benz WINNING! 120 years on the world's greatest race tracks & in India

Author - Adil Jal Darukhanawala

This book is available on Amazon and also on Flipkart.

For more details, write to [email protected]

Photos - Kapil Angane