Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft
Mercedes 37/90 hp and 38/100 hp

Why it matters

The 37/90 hp was DMG's last new chain-driven top model and the base for the racing cars Ralph DePalma used in the USA, including the "Grey Ghost". Its three-valve engine anticipated later multi-valve Mercedes practice.

How rare is it?

Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.

Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.

History

The 37/90 hp was introduced in June 1911 as top model, replacing the six-cylinder cars built since 1907. In mid-1913 it became the 37/95 hp, and later the displacement was raised to 9.8 litres and the name changed to 38/100 hp. Production ended in 1915, ending the chain-drive era that had begun with the Phoenix in 1897.

While DMG took no part in major European racing in 1909 to 1910, it built a racing version for private customers in 1911, fitted into the 1908 Grand Prix chassis. DePalma won the 1912 Elgin National Trophy and the 1912 Vanderbilt Cup with such a car; Spencer Wishart also raced one.

Technical specifications

Engine

Transmission & drivetrain

Chassis, body & dimensions

Performance

“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

1. 1
   Mercedes 37/90 hp and 38/100 hp, 1911 - 1915 Level A Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Mercedes-Benz Public Archive (Classic M@RS)

   • especially large intake valve and two smaller exhaust valves for each cylinder
   • four-cylinder engine
   • The 9.5-liter engine designed by Paul Daimler
   • encapsulation of the drive chains which were running in an oil bath

   Accessed 2026-11-12