World's First Car Becomes
An Automotive Hall of Fame Feature

           DEARBORN, MI, July 7, 1997 -- One of the many outstanding features of the new Automotive Hall of Fame when it opens August 16 will be a unique display of the world's first auto, the Benz Patent Motorwagen.
           The Benz Motorwagen was created in full scale by Daimler-Benz AG. The revolutionary three-wheeler built by Carl Benz in 1885 ignited the spark that started the auto industry.
           The revolutionary, small, lightweight Benz replica incorporates many novel motor vehicle features, some still used today. The three-wheeler features a lightweight tubular frame and weighs a mere 200 pounds. It rolls on spoked bicycle wheels with rubber tires.
           The engine is a study of innovation. Electric ignition and a spark plug of Benz's own design ignites the fuel/air mix, making this a flexible-fuel vehicle. The engine uses naptha, gasoline or paraffin. A camshaft controls a poppet valve for intake and a slide valve for exhaust, and engine speed is controlled by regulating the fuel mix. It produces 2/3 horsepower at 250-300 revolutions per minute. A horizontally-mounted flywheel supplies gyroscopic action for stability.
           Benz's wife, Bertha, drove the vehicle 90 miles, the first long distance motor vehicle trip with a woman at the controls. Within a short time after its first test run, several French firms began manufacturing autos based on the Benz concept.
           The new Automotive Hall of Fame is designed and built to be a visitor attraction and educational resource. It celebrates accomplished people of the worldwide motor vehicle industry for the purpose of inspiring others, especially young people, to higher levels of achievement in their own work and lives. It is a unique "people place" of innovation and inspiration where interactive experiences and one-on-one demonstrations are entertaining and enlightening.
           Automotive Hall of Fame hours of operation and admission: through October, daily, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; November through Memorial Day, daily except Mondays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; admission, $6 adult, $5.50 senior 62+, $3 youth

21400 Oakwood Boulevard
Dearborn, MI 48121 USA
Telephone (313) 240-4000
Fax (313) 240-8641