Vehicle exhibits

This exhibit was built by Darcy Nicholson of Timaru and is a copy of the famous racing cars of Count Zborowski whose cars became known in the 1920's as "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”.  

Powered by a Mercedes aero engine, which is like the engines that powered the Zeppelin Air ships during World War 1. This chassis is a standard Mercedes 28/95 and was originally fitted with a 6-cylinder Mercedes Knight Sleeve valve engine. 

This engine is believed to be one of only 2 produced and is probably the only one still in existence. It was unknown that Germany was testing the engine for aircraft use and when first built it was on the secret list.

Each of the 6 cylinders are of 4000 cc capacity and it features 18 spark plugs and it is best driven in top gear as the first3 gears cause to much wheel spin.

To stop this near two tonne automobile efficient brakes were required and this Mercedes is possibly the only car ever produced with water cooled brakes.

Additional information (and noted photos) kindly provided by John Skene

“Each of the six cylinders of the 24-liter Zeppelin engine had three spark plugs and four valves. It is believed that the engine was one of only two ever created and was similar to those that powered the Zeppelin airships of the First World War.”

The three spark plugs and four valves per cylinder can easily be seen!