4 Minutes
Jay Leno Takes the Wheel of an Automotive Icon
In the world of vintage automobiles, few vehicles command as much awe and admiration as the 1913 Mercedes 37/95 Double Phaeton Torpedo. Recently, renowned car collector Jay Leno had the privilege of driving this legendary car—a machine that once set the bar for both engineering innovation and luxury over a century ago.
Engineering Marvel: Specifications and Power
At the heart of the 1913 Mercedes 37/95 lies a formidable 9.6-liter four-cylinder engine, an impressive feat even by modern standards. With an output of 95 horsepower, this model boasted staggering power for its time—a figure reflected in its name. The number 37 corresponded to its tax classification in Germany, highlighting its elite status. This powerhouse enabled the Mercedes to reach a then-unheard-of top speed of 160 km/h (about 100 mph), making it the true supercar of its era.
For context, consider that the Ford Model T, produced during the same period, delivered just 22 horsepower and capped out at 74 km/h (46 mph). The Mercedes not only dwarfed its contemporaries in performance but also sparked rumors that it led to an uptick in speeding tickets soon after its release.
Luxury Without Compromise: Design and Craftsmanship
During the early 20th century, automobiles were the ultimate status symbol, accessible only to society’s wealthiest members. The 1913 Mercedes 37/95 was priced at an astonishing $8,000—a time when a well-appointed home cost around $12,000. This price point reflected its status as a pinnacle of opulence and engineering.
The particular Mercedes featured in Jay Leno’s garage was originally delivered to its first owner in Paris in 1913. After disappearing for decades between 1930 and 1984, it was meticulously restored in the early 2000s by the renowned Nethercutt Collection. Thanks to the exceptional quality of this restoration, the car went on to win "Best in Class" in 2001. Its body, crafted by celebrated French coachbuilder Henri Labourdette, is finished in deep black with elegant nickel-plated accents—chrome hadn’t yet entered the automotive world.
Performance and Driving Experience
The immense 9.6-liter engine features three overhead valves per cylinder and is equipped with an electric starter—an innovation for its time. Even today, this meticulously maintained powerplant reportedly runs smoother than ever. The driving experience is both raw and visceral: firing up the engine unleashes a thunderous rumble, sending vibrations throughout the chassis and garage. While these vibrations mellow out at higher speeds, the car’s mechanical authenticity remains ever-present.
Inside, the cabin exemplifies Mercedes’ dedication to comfort. The seats, upholstered in tufted black leather, resemble plush lounge chairs more than typical car seats, offering unmatched luxury for long journeys. The large wooden steering wheel commands attention, requiring a firm grip and considerable effort to maneuver—reminding drivers of motoring’s early days.
Heritage and Rarity
The 1913 Mercedes 37/95 Double Phaeton Torpedo was more than just a fast car—it was a statement of technological and societal progress. With its three-pointed star emblem, representing dominance over land, sea, and air, this car was a harbinger of Mercedes-Benz’s ambition to lead in every realm of mobility. Notably, the emblem adorned the bonnet without the now-iconic circle, a design element added only after 1926.
Today, encountering such an automotive jewel—especially navigating Los Angeles streets among Fords and Toyotas—is a rare spectacle. Only about a dozen examples are known to exist worldwide, and the very Phaeton Torpedo shown on Jay Leno’s show is believed to be the sole surviving specimen of its kind.
Conclusion
The 1913 Mercedes 37/95 Double Phaeton Torpedo remains a testament to a bygone era when automotive craftsmanship, performance, and luxury were pushed to their limits. For classic car enthusiasts and historians alike, this masterpiece stands as a living link to motoring's golden age—a time when Mercedes set the pace for innovation and exclusivity on wheels.
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