Feature: The story behind Mercedes’ factory hotrodders

Story and photo by John LeBlanc Forming the "Triple Crown of Motor Racing" with the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Monaco Grand Prix is thought of by racing cognoscenti as one of the most important and prestigious automobile races in the world. The cars first raced on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo in 1929. The initial victory went to William Grover-Williams driving a Bugatti. Except to accommodate eventual harbour and hotel expansions, the actual layout of the track hasn't changed much in 80 years. Drivers still consider the narrow and tight Monaco course one of the most challenging – and dangerous – to drive. With virtually no run-off areas, and only a handful of opportunities to pass, drivers take risks they normally wouldn't on more open courses. And planting your GP car in the lobby of one of the swish Monte Carlo hotels that border the track is just plain "not done." Proof of the course's unique hazards came in the first Monaco Grand Prix to be included in the world championship, in 1950. Ten cars were knocked out in the first lap alone. The driver who's had the most victories here is Ayrton Senna, with six, winning five consecutively between 1989 and 1993. Graham Hill, known as "Mr. Monaco," won five times in the 1960s, the same number of Monaco wins as Michael Schumacher.

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