1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen Replica
Quick Specs
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N/A
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0.75 hp.
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10 mph.
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1 (original prototype) / 25 (modern replicas)
The First.
Designed from scratch by German engineer Karl Benz, the Patent-Motorwagen is regarded as the first practical self-propelled vehicle. In contrast to other powered conveyances of the day, the Motorwagen was not derived from a horse-drawn carriage. Instead, its design featured a purpose-built tube-frame chassis with a four-stroke engine, which was started by manually spinning the flywheel. Among the features that would appear on later automobiles were rack-and-pinion steering, electric ignition, and water cooling.
Collection of the Petersen Automotive Musuem, gift of Margie and Robert E. Petersen
This vehicle is on display on the Third Floor.
1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen Replica Gallery
Vehicle Imagery may be used for personal, media editorial, or educational purposes. Please credit Petersen Automotive Museum, petersen.org, if used. Photos may not be used for commercial purposes.
Deeper Dive of the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen with Chief Historian, Leslie Kendall
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