The Benz Patent-Motorwagen, a name synonymous with automotive history, is recognized globally as the first car powered by an internal combustion engine. This groundbreaking invention, patented by Karl Benz in 1886 (DRP 37435), marked the dawn of a new era in transportation. While his wife Bertha Benz played a crucial role in its development, German law at the time prevented her from holding the patent. The official public debut of Benz’s revolutionary vehicle took place on July 3, 1886, in Mannheim, Germany, at the Ringstrasse, forever changing the landscape of personal mobility.
Approximately 25 of these pioneering Patent-Motorwagens were manufactured between 1886 and 1893. Powering this marvel was a horizontal single-cylinder, four-stroke 954cc engine, producing a modest .75 horsepower at 400 rpm. Interestingly, the original Benz Patent-Motorwagen still exists today. It underwent restoration in 1906 and is now a prized exhibit at the Deutsches Museum in Munich, Germany, a testament to its enduring legacy. Adding to the historical narrative, Gottlieb Daimler, working independently around 60 miles away, also patented an internal combustion engine in 1886 and began developing his own four-wheeled “horseless carriage,” unaware of Benz’s concurrent achievements. This parallel innovation underscores the era’s burgeoning spirit of invention in automotive technology.
The design of the three-wheeled Patent-Motorwagen bears a resemblance to horse-drawn carriages, particularly evident in its small front wheel and larger rear wheels. Its construction employed a lightweight tubular frame combined with wire-spoke wheels, reflecting the engineering principles of the time. Steering was achieved through a rack and pinion mechanism connected to a tiller, a common steering method in early vehicles.
For those seeking a tangible connection to this pivotal moment in automotive history, meticulously crafted replicas offer a unique opportunity. Mercedes-Benz Classic commissioned around 90 replicas in 2001 and 2002. These were expertly built by Englishman John Bentley with the intention of serving educational, promotional, museum, and public exhibition purposes. The example highlighted here, constructed in 2002, was acquired by a Mercedes-Benz authorized retailer and has remained in pristine, non-operational condition since new, carefully maintained with regular oiling of its mechanical components.
Imagine the sensation this “contraption” must have created in 1886, captivating onlookers with its unprecedented form and function. Even today, over a century later, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen replica continues to evoke wonder and fascination, offering a glimpse into the very origins of the automobile and making it a compelling piece for collectors and enthusiasts interested in automotive history and perhaps a “Benz Motorwagen For Sale”.
