Many inventions lay claim to being the “first automobile,” but historians widely recognize the Benz Patent-Motorwagen as the pioneering machine to achieve production success. Conceived in 1885 by the German innovator Karl Benz, and officially patented in 1886, this groundbreaking vehicle saw approximately 25 units manufactured between 1886 and 1893. This initial stride marked the genesis of the company we now know as Mercedes-Benz, forever changing the landscape of personal transportation.
The Patent-Motorwagen, with its distinctive tricycle configuration and tiller steering, might appear rudimentary by today’s standards. However, its design was remarkably sophisticated for its time. A lightweight, 954cc, horizontally mounted single-cylinder engine formed its heart, featuring advanced electric ignition and generating a respectable 0.75 horsepower. This power was transmitted to a belt drive via a substantial horizontal flywheel positioned at the rear, ultimately reaching the rear wheels through a dual chain drive system. This innovative engineering underscored the ingenuity behind the 1886 Benz.
While the original, invaluable Patent-Motorwagen remains a prized possession of Mercedes-Benz, John Bentley Engineering in England undertook the meticulous creation of a series of authentic recreations. These replicas stand as the most faithful representations of the original 1886 benz, mirroring every detail with remarkable accuracy. A key enhancement in these replicas is their adaptation to run on white gas, a more readily available fuel compared to the archaic ligroin used by the original.
The example described here, finished in a satin black paint meticulously matched to period-correct finishes, was directly acquired by the current owner from Mr. Bentley himself. Such was the exceptional caliber of Mr. Bentley’s craftsmanship that Mercedes-Benz Classic commissioned approximately 100 of these Patent-Motorwagen replicas (also in satin black) around the turn of the millennium. This commission serves as a powerful endorsement of the quality and historical significance of his work in recreating the 1886 benz. Following their assembly by Bentley Engineering, each car underwent rigorous road-testing – using a separate set of wheels and tires to preserve their pristine condition – before being carefully crated and dispatched to their respective owners.
This meticulously crafted 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen Recreation stands as a fitting tribute to a pivotal machine in automotive history. Offered in pristine, new condition, it has recently been unpacked from its original shipping crate after years of storage, returned to running order, and prepared for sale. Accompanied by comprehensive operating instructions, this remarkable three-wheeled vehicle is poised to become a cherished centerpiece in any collection, appealing to enthusiasts of significant Mercedes-Benz models, antique automobiles, or simply extraordinary mechanical artifacts. The 1886 benz Patent-Motorwagen, in its replicated form, continues to captivate and educate about the origins of the car.
