1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen Replica

Karl Benz, the brilliant German mechanical engineer, forever etched his name in the annals of automotive history in 1885 when he conceived and brought to life the world’s inaugural automobile, powered by an internal-combustion engine. Despite the existence of a handful of mechanically propelled contraptions across the globe at the time, it’s the Benz Motorwagen that stands as the indisputable pioneer. This innovative marvel took the form of a tricycle with two imposing rear wheels, propelled by a chain-drive single-speed drivetrain. The engine was equipped with a substantial horizontal flywheel to maintain the rotations churned out by a 954cc single-cylinder engine, delivering an awe-inspiring 0.9 horsepower. With this newfound power, the 3-wheeled wonder could hurtle down the road at an astonishing 16kph, an astounding feat for its era.

Remarkably, it was Karl Benz’s wife, Bertha, who played an instrumental role in propelling the Motorwagen into the spotlight. In 1888, she embarked on a pioneering journey, the first documented long-distance trek by a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine. Her expedition covered approximately 65 miles, spanning from Mannheim to her birthplace in Pforzheim. This arduous odyssey consumed around 13 gruelling hours and was executed without her husband Karl’s knowledge or the blessings of the authorities. The triumphant and well-documented voyage undoubtedly thrust the Benz Motorwagen into the global limelight.

Given the international acclaim surrounding the Benz vehicle and Bertha’s historic journey, it was only a matter of time before a plethora of faithful running replicas emerged. Access to the original machine was generously granted, facilitating the acquisition of critical data and measurements, resulting in replicas that were genuine toolroom copies. So authentic were these reproductions that Mercedes-Benz Classic, the custodians of this automotive legacy, themselves commissioned around 100 of them. This serves as a true testament to the manufacturer’s commitment to preserving the rich heritage of the Motorwagen.

Today we have the privilege of presenting one such replica, a pristine specimen that has most recently been in esteemed company, sharing its quarters with world-class collection of cars from almost every era of motoring. This offering represents a golden opportunity and is an absolute essential for any discerning collector. It stands as a guaranteed conversation starter and a captivating exhibit, shedding light on the origins of the beloved world of motoring as we know and cherish it today. Although being in running order, It is noted the cylinder drip feed oiler will need replacing before use.