Two Summers

Two Summers offers a fresh, revealing and highly personal look at the culture of Grand Prix racing as it was during the 1954 and 1955 championships, with individual portraits of the twelve races in which the Mercedes-Benz W 196 R participated. This book explores the Mercedes-Benz W 196 R's historic roots, development, and its place in Grand Prix racing, detailing its triumphs, struggles and disappointments, as well as the spirited challenges from Maserati, Ferrari, Gordini and Lancia. With carefully crafted observations and conclusions, given added drama by richly detailed illustrations, this book captures the energy and dynamic nature of these racing seasons, and shows that Juan Fangio was indeed the ultimate master of the art and science of racing a Grand Prix automobile; the W 196 R the instrument with which he honed his skills. This book captures the decisive moments when victory hanging in the balance tilted in Fangio's favor, due to his iron discipline, and steady hand on the wheel. The W 196 Rs racing days may be long gone, but the car remains a shining star of Mercedes-Benz participation in motor sport heritage events worldwide. It is this timeless appeal of the W 196 R that gives Two Summers its vitality, charm and enduring attraction.