Before the dawn of the 20th century, a number of various inventors and engineers were experimenting with creating a means of personal transportation that was powered by an internal combustion engine. Karl Benz was credited with creating the first truly successful model. Benz had created a functioning two-stroke engine, and shortly thereafter, he had established Benz und Cie: Rheinische Gasmotorenfabrik, which was located in Mannheim, Germany. By the end of 1885, Benz had produced a single-cylinder, four-stroke gasoline engine and fitted it to a three-wheel carriage that was designed specifically for the engine.

With power sent to the rear wheels, the first Benz could attain a speed of eight miles an hour, which was recorded on one of the vehicle’s very first test runs. While they were quite primitive in design, these first Benzes incorporated many innovative features, including an electric ignition, a mechanically operated inlet valve, and a differential gear. The car was officially patented on January 30, 1886, and it was seen out and about on the streets of Mannheim that spring. Benz would continue to develop and refine his design further, making his first sale the following year.

This particular Patent-Motorwagen Recreation was built in Vietnam by Trieu Phuoc Ltd. in November 2012, according to a certificate of production supplied by the manufacturer. Showing very few signs of use, this is a delightful example of early automotive history, and it would prove to be the foundation for the automobile in general.

Regardless of the complexity of their design, all automobiles produced today can trace their roots back to the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, which was constructed only seven years after Thomas Edison had turned on the world’s first light bulb and at a time when Grover Cleveland was the president of the United States of America. Not only does the Benz Patent-Motorwagen represent the first successful production automobile, but it also represents an age of innovation where many scientists, engineers, and inventors created products that would have long-lasting positive effects on mankind. This recreation model strives to keep the spirit of those individuals, Karl Benz in particular, alive.

This lot will be sold on a Bill of Sale only.