To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The Guyton
Collection event, 4 - 5 May 2019.
Estimate:
$40,000 - $50,000
- Exacting re-creation of first Benz model
- The essence of pioneer motoring
- Suitable for static museum display
Please note that this lot is offered on a Bill of Sale only.
It is generally recognized that Carl Benz is the father of the
internal combustion motor car. Certainly, he was the first to
market a successful automobile, although its sales success would
come initially in France. By the close of 1885, Benz had produced a
single-cylinder, four-stroke gasoline engine and fitted it to a
three-wheel carriage designed specifically for his engine. This
first Benz had two driven rear wheels powered by a horizontally
mounted single-cylinder engine that developed 3/4 hp, and a speed
of eight mph was recorded on one of the very first test runs.
Although somewhat primitive in design, the Benz Motorwagen
incorporated many innovative features, like electric ignition, a
mechanically operated inlet valve, and a differential gear. Benz
patented his car on 30 January 1886, and that spring, it was seen
on the streets of Mannheim. Throughout 1886 and 1887, Benz further
developed his design, making his first sale in 1887.
The 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen offered here is an exacting replica
produced by John Bentley Engineering in the UK. Considered the most
authentic and painstaking recreation of the first working Benz
design, these vehicles were made between 1986 and 1997. Bentley and
his team were granted access to the original Benz in preparation
for the project, and the rendition was so faithful that
Daimler-Benz acquired the final group of cars.
This example was acquired by the Guyton Collection in 2007, from
Peter Harper of Warrington, Cheshire, England. It is reported as
having been part of the former Donington Collection at the museum
founded in 1973 by the late Thomas Wheatcroft, prior to his
re-establishing a race course at the site in 1977. It is believed
to be one of the early Bentley-built cars.
The car is presently inoperable, as a large section of the water
jacket has separated, requiring significant repair. It is in other
ways intact and presents well as a fascinating display of motoring
at its earliest.To view this car and others currently consigned to
this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/gc19.
