Seventy years on from its first post-war grand prix win, Mercedes-Benz hasn’t forgotten the significance of Stirling Moss’s landmark Aintree victory in the summer of 1955. That’s why the German carmaker wheeled out one of its glorious W196s, took it back to the Liverpool race course and gave its current Formula 1 star George Russell a golden chance to briefly slip into Moss’s racing shoes.

Or more accurately Juan Manuel Fangio’s. For this was chassis 000 13/55 in which – as Mike Doodson has already covered – the ‘Maestro’ was either beaten or displayed generous discretion, depending on what you choose to believe of that July 16, 1955 race.

Russell, ahead of his fine win at the Canadian GP, appeared to revel in the moment at what was a private commemoration played out in front of a select audience and a couple of film crews from the BBC and Channel 4. A full lap of the period three-mile circuit was impossible thanks to the potholed surface at Waterway (the first corner) which continues to create a major hurdle to the independent Aintree Circuit Club’s ongoing ambitions for a proper motor racing revival event at Jockey Club Racecourses’ world-famous venue.

“The speed, the noise, the look – it’s incredible. It was a privilege to get behind the wheel”

The rest of the lap still exists, winding through what is now an infield golf course and driving range. But even if a proper surface was laid at Waterway, the closure of Melling Road – at two points, on the way out and on the way back to the gigantic grandstands – would also have been required. Then it absolutely wouldn’t have been a secret event, of course. Perhaps one day it’ll happen properly, and in a manner where we can all be invited.

As it was, Russell had to be content with a couple of runs up and down the old start/finish in front of empty grandstands that are only packed out once a year for the Grand National. But at least the W196’s distinctive straight-eight howl had rung out again at the too-often overlooked British GP venue, where Moss and Fangio created a joyous slice of Silver Arrows history all those years ago.

“I am speechless after driving the W196,” said Russell. “The sensation of driving this car is indescribable. The speed, the noise, the look – it’s incredible. I can’t believe that Sir Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio were racing this car 70 years ago. To bring the car that Fangio raced here at Aintree in the 1955 British Grand Prix back to the track is so awesome. It was a privilege to be entrusted to get behind the wheel. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone at Aintree, the Aintree Circuit Club and Mercedes-Benz Classic for making this happen.” DS