• Modern re-creation of the Benz Patent Motorwagen
• Built by John Bentley Engineering
• Single-cylinder four-stroke engine
• Not used while part of the Scott Collection
• Very good condition

Karl (sometimes also known as Carl) Friedrich Benz was born on 25th November 1844 in Mühlburg (now Karlsruhe), Baden-WürHemberg, Germany. Benz enrolled at Karlsruhe Polytechnic when he was 15 years old and graduated in 1864 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

After developing a successful gasoline-powered two-stroke piston engine in 1873, Benz focused on developing a motorised vehicle. Following disputes, he split with his business partners in 1883 and that same year founded Benz & Co in Mannheim with new backers. The business initially focused on stationary engines but Benz continued to pursue his dream of creating a motorcar.

In 1885 Benz built a motor car whose internal combustion engine was powered by gasoline. A love of cycling had inspired his desire to create this vehicle, and his first design drew on the tricycle principle. Benz's three-wheeled automobile, which he called the Motorwagen, could carry two passengers. Prior to building this car, Benz also invented several of its key components, such as the electric ignition, spark plugs, and clutch.

At the same time other inventors were also trying to build or had already constructed their own versions of a 'horseless carriage', but Benz's work stood out because his car was constructed around its engine, as opposed to the approach of simply adding an engine to an existing cart or carriage. Benz was granted patent number '37435' for his automobile on 29th January 1886.

It was Benz's wife Bertha who demonstrated the feasibility of his vehicle as a mode of transportation when she took it on a 66-mile drive in August 1888. Bertha made the eight-miles-per-hour journey, accompanied by her two older children, in Model No. 3 of her husband's invention. Her actions garnered positive attention and publicity for the motorcar. Benz himself only learned of his wife's plans after she had reached her destination!

Benz's first car was made available for purchase with the first sale concluded in 1888, and around 25 Patent Motorwagen's were built between 1886 and 1893. Some 100 years or so later John Bentley Engineering created exact replicas, bringing the world's very first automobile into the 20th Century. Mercedes-Benz themselves ordered and purchased over 100 of them, a true testament to their accuracy and quality.

Offered here is one of these beautifully crafted tributes to Karl Benz's Patent Motorwagen, which is regarded as the first practical self-propelled vehicle. Finished in green with black leather seats, it has not been driven while part of the Scott Collection and will require recommissioning before further use. There are no documents with this Lot.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.