Jay Leno Drives the First Supercar: 1913 Mercedes 3795 Double Phaeton Torpedo

If you love early automotive history, German engineering, or just pure vintage speed — this is your ride. Strap in.

Before Bugatti. Before Ferrari. Before McLaren. There was this. ?

Jay Leno takes you back in time to drive what many consider to be the first true supercar: the 1913 Mercedes 3795 Double Phaeton Torpedo. With a 580 cubic inch (9.6L!) 4-cylinder engine producing 95 horsepower, this beast could reach 100 mph — in 1913.

Restored to period-correct glory by the Nethercutt Collection, this chain-driven monster shows off the cutting-edge luxury and power of pre-WWI engineering. Featuring coachwork by Henri Labourdette, three overhead valves per cylinder, and jaw-dropping design, this is automotive royalty.

If you love early automotive history, German engineering, or just pure vintage speed — this is your ride. Strap in.

Aaron Turpen
An automotive enthusiast for most of his adult life, Aaron has worked in and around the industry in many ways. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) and freelances as a writer and journalist around the Web and in print. You can find his portfolio at AaronOnAutos.com.