‘IT’S ALL ABOUT BALANCE’

Why even Aston’s design boss swoons over the W154

‘The Mercedes W154 is such a beautiful example of form following function. It was designed before we really understood aerodynamics and the way cars behaved at high speed and yet it was capable of over 185mph, was incredibly successful racing, very reliable – and looked amazing with such sleek bodywork.

‘This car wasn’t “styled”.

Its singular mission was high performance. Rudolf Uhlenhaut [Mercedes’ technical director] wanted the most simple and pure solution to the design challenge of making a fast racing car. He didn’t think of aesthetics per se – yet it was aesthetically beautiful.

‘Uhlenhaut really understood proportion and part of the car’s beauty is the relationship between the wheelbase, where the wheels are placed, and where the driver sits relative to the chassis. It’s all about balance. It’s so clean, so simple.

‘The W154 also influenced subsequent racing cars, road cars and even aeroplanes. Only later did we see more universally sculpted forms and shapes on aeroplanes.

‘Good car design starts with form, proportion and sculpture. On the other hand, many car makers today are going through a period of very busy and fussy style.

‘I think they try to shout because they don’t have confidence in who they are, or what their brand stands for. They don’t have the self-assurance to keep their designs simple, as Uhlenhaut did. That takes guts. It also takes real design skill.’ Marek Reichman