Hoping to undermine the dominance of Mercedes-Benz, the Italian motor racing authorities set unprecedented regulations for the Tripoli Grand Prix of 1939. Mercedes-Benz was not deterred and produced the W165, a completely new race car, in record pace. Herman Lang and Rudolf Caracciola achieved a spectacular double victory for the brand leaving their opponents in the dust. Lang, with starting number 16 seized first place, and Caracciola, with starting number 24, shot into second place.

The CMC Mercedes-Benz W165, 1939 #24 is emblazoned with Caracciola’s starting number along the body, commemorating this sensational double victory.