Beside luxury cars Mercedes was also leading in the sportive car category. Leading industry members, well known actors or singer have been the customers for the „roadster with the star“ which have been very successful in racing events as well. 7 liter compressor motors with 160 hp could reach a speed of 170 km/h. In racing history the name of the famous pilot Rudolf Caracciola is connected with the dominating success of Mercedes racing cars with his victory in the first Grand Prix of Germany in 1926 at the Avus racing course and his victories on the Mille Miglia in the following years.