Mercedes-Benz w125, #15 Richard Seaman, 2-nd place Vanderbilt Cup Race 1937.
BRUMM R071
5 July 1937 on a fast racetrack, Roosevelt (Roosevelt Raceway, Long Island, New York) have passed competitions on the Cup Vanderbilt (Vanderbilt Cup Race in 1937). Racing a Mercedes with a starting number 15 was led by young racer, the Englishman Richard Simeon (Richard Seaman). This car was a standard Mercedes-Benz W125 and was notable for the fact that was the first race Mercedes-Benz was launched in the United States. After the race Richard made it to the podium, taking second place. At the insistence of Adolf Hitler on the back of the car was painted a swastika. Americans do not like this style and the car was booed. Unfortunately Richard will die at the Belgian Grand Prix 1939 circuit of Spa-Francorchamps (Spa-Francorchamps). On the 22nd lap, lost control of his Mercedes-Benz W154 on the wet road, crashed into a tree. After impact the car caught fire and the driver unconscious was inside. Richard died a few hours as a result of severe burns. He was only 26 years old. On his deathbed he said to the chief engineer Mercedes: “I was driving too fast for these conditions - it was my own fault. I'm sorry” After Richard's death dealers Mercedes-Benz around the world have been ordered to place his picture on their stands. Richard seaman was buried at the cemetery Putney Vale (Putney Vale Cemetery) in London