In 1899, Austrian businessman Emil Jellinek—one of Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft’s (DMG) most important clients—commissioned a revolutionary new automobile with a 35-horsepower engine paired with a chassis capable of safely handling its performance. In return, he promised to purchase 36 cars on the condition that the model be named after his daughter, Mercedes.

The resulting Mercedes 35 HP debuted at a motorsport festival in Nice, France, in March 1901, where it dominated events including speed trials and a demanding hill climb. Its novel long, low pressed-steel chassis, honeycomb radiator, and gated 4-speed transmission set a new standard for automotive design. With a top speed of 55 mph, it is widely regarded as the first modern automobile.

In 1902, DMG introduced the improved Mercedes Simplex, named for its ease of operation. Offered with engines from 20 to 60 horsepower, it built on the 1901 model’s success, winning races and attracting customers in Europe and the United States. The example displayed is one of about 35 built in 1902 and is the oldest Mercedes in America.