The expertly handcrafted- 1/8 scale Mercedes Benz Pantent Motorwagen 1886 produced by Franklin Mint in 1989. The unbelievably detailed scale model features over 275 different components (parts) and is an absolute treasure to look at. This is a once in a life-time opportunity, in original packaging, with original tag, papers, certificate of authenticity and original "patentschrift" showing the design and architecture of the original FIRST AUTOMOBILE IN THE WORLD. This model is in absolute MINT condition, and is every collectors dream to own. Measures an impressive 30cm long, 17cm wide & 20cm high. On July 3rd, 1886 an event occured that certainly had an enormous impact on the history of man. For it was on that date that the first useable car in the world- Karl Benz's Pantent Motorcar - was given its first public outing. No one could really know at the time that the simple carriage, achieving speeds of 12 kph, was a beginning of a new era in human history- the automobile age. Benz's first car had a four-stroke single-cylinder engine which displaced 990ccs. The enige was mounted horizontally on the vehicle which in many ways was a unique blend of a horse carriage and a three-wheeled bicycle. Producing 0.9 horsepower, the engine drove wire spoked wheels through Benz's innovative array of differential gears, belts and chains. Benz's automobile included innovations that are still used today on over 400 million automobiles. It had electric ignition, a water-cooled engine and a quite modern differential gear. The custom-made body included a two passenger seat and a rack-and pinion steering operated by a "tiller". The automobile had no foot brakes and was stopped by a handbrake applied to the drive mechanism. With an advanced differential drive train, no reverse gear, and a belt clutch, the vehicle was able to reach a maxiumum speed of 16 to 18 kph. When Benz's "horseless carriage" appeared at the World's Colombian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, it ignited the imagination of the public, and triggered the beginning of the automobile history. The Benz Patent Motercar was more than just another invention in the patheon of man's technology. It was the one invention that opened up the world- that brought everyone and everything just a little bit closer. Will be packed securely and shipped insured.