2002 Benz Three-Wheeled Motorwagon Replica

Registration no. Not registered

Footnotes

On 29 January 1886 Karl Benz, proprietor of a successful business in Mannheim manufacturing gas engines, was issued with a patent for his three wheel internal combustion-engined motor car or Motorwagen. Benz's design was not only technically successful but its great significance lay in the way in which it launched the automobile age, becoming the first motor car to be produced for sale.

In recognition of this landmark of motoring history John Bentley Engineering constructed a number of highly accurate replicas of the Motorwagen. These were of such high quality that the last of the series were produced for sale by Mercedes-Benz. Perfectly reproducing the lightweight tubular frame and large wire spoked wheels of the original the replicas are fully functional, powered by an exact copy of Benz's water cooled rear mounted single cylinder engine with its distinctive vertical crankshaft and horizontal flywheel. Benz adopted this engine layout because he was concerned about the gyroscopic effect a vertical flywheel would have on the vehicle when cornering. With a displacement of 954 cc and producing 0.75 horsepower at 400 revolutions per minute the engine is sufficiently powerful to propel the Motorwagen and its two passengers at a comfortable 10 miles per hour.

The vehicle offered here was produced in 2002 and is unique in having been made for the Prince's Trust charity with a special colour scheme of blue with pinstriping. It is reportedly in as-new condition and would make a wonderful addition to any collection of pioneering motor cars.