954 cc horizontal single-cylinder engine, belt primary drive and chain final drive, full-elliptic leaf spring rear suspension, and mechanical transmission brake. Wheelbase: 58"

- Exacting replica of first Benz model

- The essence of pioneer motoring

It is generally recognized that Carl Benz is the father of the internal combustion motor car. Certainly he was the first to market a successful automobile, although its sales success would come initially in France. By the close of 1885, Benz had produced a single-cylinder, four-stroke gasoline engine and fitted it to a three-wheel carriage designed specifically for his engine. This first Benz had two driven rear wheels powered by a horizontally-mounted single-cylinder engine that developed ¾ horsepower, and a speed of eight miles per hour was recorded on one of the very first test runs. The Benz Motor-Wagen incorporated many innovative features, like electric ignition, a mechanically-operated inlet valve and a differential gear. Benz patented his car on January 30, 1886, and that spring, it was seen on the streets of Mannheim. Throughout 1886 and 1887, Benz further developed his design, making his first sale in 1887.

The 1886 Benz Patent Motor-Wagen offered here is an exacting replica produced by John Bentley Engineering in the United Kingdom. Considered the most authentic and painstaking recreation of the first working Benz design, these vehicles were made between 1986 and 1997. Bentley and his team were granted access to the only original Benz in preparation for the project, and the rendition was so faithful that Daimler-Benz acquired the final group of cars. This example, one of the Daimler-Benz cars, is excellent in every way and will be a fine addition to any collection of early cars.