1899 Benz 8HP Rennwagen
With this car, Fritz Held won the class victory and the Great Gold Medal in the 193.2 km Frankfurt-Cologne endurance race at an average speed of 22.5 km/h; another 8 hp Benz, driven by Emil Graf, came 2nd. This car was successful again in 1899, its engine now tuned to 12 hp, when Fritz Held came 2nd in the Innsbruck-Munich race, and again in the Berlin-Leipzig race, where he and Richard Benz finished with the best driving time.
In 1900/01 a production racing car, based on this type, was on offer in the sales program at a price of 15,000 marks. This vehicle was fitted with a flat engine; its output had been increased to 16 hp, and it was equipped with a central lubrication, a water pump and a train of gear wheels with four forward and one reverse gear.
The weight of the car was 1150 kg. Driven by Fritz Scarisbrick from Hanau, this car finished its very first race in 2nd place. The 136 km mountain tour Eisenach-Oberhof-Meiningen-Eisenach was covered in 4 hours and 23 minutes, i.e. at an average speed of 30.1 km/h, and confirmed the advertising statement for this model which said: The car will manage any ascent.
In Detail
| engine | Water-Cooled, Contra, Twin Flat |
| position | Mid Engined |
| aspiration | Natural |
| valvetrain | 2 Valves Per Cyl, |
| displacement | 2280 cc / 139.1 in³ |
| bore | 110 mm / 4.33 in |
| stroke | 120 mm / 4.72 in |
| power | 6.0 kw / 8 bhp @ 750 rpm |
| specific output | 3.51 bhp per litre |
| body / frame | Pressed Steel Frame |
| front tires | 810 x 105 |
| rear tires | 875 x 105 |
| front brakes | None |
| f brake size | mm / in |
| rear brakes | Output Shaft Band Brake |
| r brake size | mm / in |
| steering | Worm & Nut |
| f suspension | Rigid Axle w/Elliptic Springs |
| r suspension | Rigid Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Springs |
| wheelbase | 1900 mm / 74.8 in |
| front track | 1250 mm / 49.2 in |
| rear track | 1250 mm / 49.2 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | :1 |
| top speed | ~65 kph / 40.4 mph |
Auction Sales History
1912 Benz 8/20 HP Sports Wagen – sold for €74,750
One of 3,093 passenger cars produced by Benz at its Mannheim factory in 1912, this 8/20hp ‘Sports Wagen’ is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, side-valve engine driving via a four-speed gearbox. The chassis price was 6,500 DM and the body cost 650 DM extra. This eye-catching two-seater has considerable charm, with its gorgeous brass radiator and beautiful badge, and presents very well. We are advised that the body has undergone cosmetic refurbishment, receiving a re-upholstered leather interior and a re-spray in its appropriate national racing colours livery.
An Edwardian-era example of one of the world’s most historic brands, this beautiful Benz will surely give the fortunate new owner many miles of driving pleasure. Although resident in the EU, the car is offered without documents.
Auction Source: 2013 Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
