954ci Single-Cylinder Engine
¾bhp at 400rpm
Single Speed Belt System Transmission
Leaf Spring Suspension
Friction Brakes

*Purchased direct from Mercedes-Benz
*An exact replica of the original
*Offered with history file, M-B documentation, and original delivery crate

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

"This engine – velocipede will make a strong appeal to a large circle, as it should prove itself quite practical and useful to doctors, travelers and lovers of sport."

In such vein did the German Press report the first faltering run of Karl Benz's fragile three-wheeler Motorwagen, little appreciating at the time that they had witnessed the first successful run of the internal combustion-engined motor car – a device which was to change the pattern of history.

The three-wheeler featured a rear mounted horizontal engine with vertical crankshaft, belt primary drive and final transmission to the rear wheels by side chains, all mounted in a tubular chassis. The 984cc internal combustion engine developed a then spectacular 0.9hp, giving a top speed of approximately 8mph, midst a veritable cacophony of sound, smells and not a little vibration. Today the Motorwagen may be considered primitive in the extreme but Benz's Patent of 29th January 1886 was indeed 'state of the art'.

On December 9th, 2005, Mr. Schnuerer received a letter from Mercedes-Benz stating that they themselves would be producing a limited number of exact replicas of the original Benz Patent Motor Car of 1886. Mr. Schnuerer jumped at the opportunity and made arrangements to purchase the vehicle. An invoice from the Mercedes-Benz Classic center dated December 20th, 2006 shows that the vehicle had arrived in California and was assembled and delivered to Mr. Schnuerer along with a support kit. Fast forward to October of 2019, and the Motorwagen was driven and featured in Road & Track magazine.

Today, this incredible piece of engineering history is offered in its as delivered condition. The vehicle is accompanied by a nice file consisting of correspondence between Mercedes-Benz and Mr. Schnuerer, the MB invoice for assembly, factory documents, a copy of the Road & Track magazine which features the vehicle, and the extremely rare crate that the vehicle was delivered in. A substantial piece of automotive history, this Benz Motorwagen is sure to make a fine addition to any car collection and perfectly illustrates the great leaps mankind has achieved in such a short period of time.