This is as close as you can get to acquiring the first ever automobile in the world
A replica of the world’s first automobile, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, is being sold by Mercedes-Benz Classic.
The three-wheeled Patent-Motorwagen was built by Karl Benz in 1885 and sold for 600 German imperial marks, or just over $4000 in today’s money. The world received its first look at Benz’s creation on 3 July 1886, and over the following six years, approximately 25 units were produced.
Powering the Patent-Motorwagen was a 954 cc single-cylinder, four-stroke engine developed by Benz. Delivering a touch under 1 hp at 400 rpm, the engine was revolutionary for its time. However, later examples of the Patent-Motorwagen had more powerful engines, including one with a 2 hp powertrain that could propel the car to 10 mph (16 km/h).
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This particular replica, currently for sale through the German marque’s All Time Stars sales specialists, was constructed in 2002 as part of a handful of replicas commissioned by Mercedes-Benz for museum and exhibit purposes.
No mileage details for the replica have been provided, but the company says it as “low mileage” and been kept in its original condition thanks to Mercedes-Benz Classic experts. Unfortunately, no asking price has been made public and it’s virtually impossible to accurately assess what a vehicle like this is worth.
Compared to a modern Mercedes-Benz, the Patent-Motorwagen looks totally foreign. Obviously, it only has three wheels and doesn’t feature an enclosed cabin. Instead, it simply features a leather seat that sits directly above the small combustion engine. The vehicle is also operated via hand controls rather than the pedals we’re accustomed to. Sure, it might look like ancient history to us, but try to imagine how it must have appeared to people at that time who were used to horses and horse-drawn carriages. Plus, this is where it all started…
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I'm an automotive history enthusiast with a profound understanding of the evolution of automobiles, especially the groundbreaking inventions that marked the inception of the automotive industry. My expertise extends to the early days of motorized vehicles, and I've delved into the specifics of notable pioneers like Karl Benz and the Benz Patent-Motorwagen.
The article you provided delves into the fascinating world of automotive history, focusing on the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, recognized as the world's first automobile. Karl Benz, the inventor, introduced this three-wheeled marvel in 1885, and it was publicly unveiled on July 3, 1886. With my extensive knowledge, I can shed light on various aspects mentioned in the article:
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Benz Patent-Motorwagen Specs:
- The original Patent-Motorwagen boasted a 954 cc single-cylinder, four-stroke engine, a revolutionary piece of machinery in its time.
- It delivered just under 1 horsepower at 400 rpm, showcasing the pioneering nature of Karl Benz's engineering.
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Production Details:
- Over the subsequent six years following its debut, approximately 25 units of the Patent-Motorwagen were produced, emphasizing the exclusivity and historical significance of this early automobile.
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Replica Construction:
- The article mentions a replica constructed in 2002 by Mercedes-Benz for museum and exhibit purposes. These replicas were commissioned to provide a glimpse into the groundbreaking technology of the late 19th century.
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Engine Evolution:
- While the original had a 1 hp engine, later examples featured more powerful engines, including one with a 2 hp powertrain capable of reaching 10 mph (16 km/h). This showcases the technological advancements made during the early years of automotive development.
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Current Availability:
- The article mentions that a replica is currently for sale through Mercedes-Benz's All Time Stars sales specialists. The vehicle is described as having "low mileage" and has been maintained in its original condition by Mercedes-Benz Classic experts.
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Appearance and Operation:
- The article highlights the stark differences between the Patent-Motorwagen and modern Mercedes-Benz vehicles. It emphasizes the three-wheeled design, lack of an enclosed cabin, and the use of hand controls for operation, providing a glimpse into the stark contrast with contemporary automotive standards.
In conclusion, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen holds a pivotal place in automotive history, and my comprehensive knowledge allows me to appreciate the significance of this invention and its impact on shaping the future of transportation.
