Argento e Rosso: An Alternative Story of the Mid-Engine Revolution

Dr. Karl-Heinz Mertins holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and a doctorate degree in mechatronics/ag engineering from the Technical University Berlin, Germany. He has over 35 years of engineering and business experience in Europe and the United States, with focus on product innovation and new business incubation, using cross-disciplinary methods and cross-cultural sensitivities. His work includes experimental work on intelligent mobile equipment and wind energy systems at the Corporate Engineering Division of Deere & Company. His enthusiasm for F1 began in the year 1961.

Mertins presents a “what if” story: What if Robert Eberan von Eberhorst in 1953 would have joined the newly formed Unione Automobili instead of an Auto Union that was only a shadow of its former self? What if Francesco De Virgilio and Ettore Zaccone Mina had been tasked with designing a compact V6 engine for the 2.5-liter GP formula that could take on a rather conventional Mercedes W196? What if Josef Mickl’s aerodynamic knowledge would have been applied to create downforce?

Would lessons learned from pre-war Silver Arrows and the untimely Cisitalia Grand Prix project, when blended with elements of Lancia’s passionate engineering culture, have accelerated the rear-engine revolution in F1?

This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.

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00:00 Introduction and Sponsors

00:22 Meet Dr. Karl Heinz Mertens

00:53 The 'What If' Scenario

02:57 Historical Context: 1937 European Championship

04:14 The 750 Kilogram Formula

08:41 The Rise of Auto Union

13:39 Post-War Racing Landscape

16:11 The Mid-Engine Revolution That Never Was

18:47 Mercedes' Dominance and Competitors

26:38 The Unione Automobili Hypothetical

36:29 Technical Innovations and Key Players

44:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

45:55 Closing Remarks and Credits