Description
This is lot number 168 in the Bonhams Goodwood Revival Auction on September 7th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
A rare survivor
2. 0-litre four-cylinder engine
An older restoration
Numerous 'Brass Era' fittings
By the end of the 20th Century's first decade, the automobile had left its primitive 'horse-less carriage' antecedents far behind, thanks in no small measure to Karl Benz. Vehicle taxation has always influenced automobile design, and Germany's introduction in 1906 of a tax penalising larger (over 10 PS) cars prompted Benz to introduce a new 2. 4-litre 10/ 18 PS model in 1908. The newcomer proved economical to run and was soon taken up in large numbers by an emerging market sector: Berlin's taxi drivers. Smaller models of 6/ 14 PS and 8/ 20 PS followed in 1910 and 1912 respectively, the latter powered by a 1, 950cc four-cylinder sidevalve engine.
An older restoration, this Benz 8/ 20 PS Roadster is finished in ivory with maroon chassis and mouldings and burgundy leather upholstery, while the brass radiator, bulb horn, and Herman Riemann acetylene headlamps are nicely patinated, albeit non-functioning in the latter's case. A brass Lucidus spotlight with mirror on the reverse is mounted on the driver's windscreen post. The wooden artillery wheels match the body colour and are coachlined in black with red hubs. The buttoned leather upholstery shows some age, but it is unmarked and shows little wear, while the varnished wood instrument panel houses gauges for oil pressure and fuel pressure (there is no speedometer). The engine compartment is clean and presents well. There is no hood, but the capacious rear compartment could be converted into a dickey seat (a step-plate is already in place).
