The epic 1954/55 Mercedes W196 was the first Formula1 car to hit the track with open wheels. It made its racing debut at Nurburgring and that same year won the German GP and three other races in '54 and an incredible five in 1955. The legendary 186mph Mercedes W196 was originally driven by Juan Manuel Fangio and will now be piloted by current Mercedes F1 driver Nico Rosberg. He will take it around the Nordschleife at Nurburgring.

"Coming to the Nurburgring for the German Grand Prix always feels very special to me. This year, I will have the opportunity to drive Juan Manuel Fangio's car from 1954 on the amazing old circuit, and that will be very special," Rosberg said. The 1954/55 Mercedes W196 runs a naturally aspirated 2-cylinder straight six. The rear-wheel-drive racecar boasts a steel tubular spaceframe with aluminum bodywork. A 5-speed manual transmission and 4 alloy drum brakes control the lightweight 1,841lbs speedster.