Victoria by Karl Benz: Bigger than Velo

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Karl Benz was the pioneer who led the history of the automobile from its conception to its industrialization. Manufacturer of industrial motors in Mannheim, he patented in 1886 a tricycle activated by a gas engine, with two seats and steering front wheel.

He managed the manufacture of several experimental machines, and patented in 1893 a model with four wheels that he presented at the Chicago World's Fair. The run to mass production would begin at once.

It should go quickly, because creating a workshop for such vehicles derived from the bicycle did not require large financial resources, and this huge challenge of controlling a machine for individual move began to be understood. Major competitors were De Dion-Bouton, Panhard et Levassor, Duryea, soon imitated by dozens of others.

From 1893, Benz created the Victoria model, developing 3 hp and weighing 700 kg. He almost immediately introduced a simpler model with 1.5 hp and 300 Kg, named Velociped, shortened as Velo.

Velo met the success: this model was manufactured by dozens, reaching in 1902 the final total of 1200 copies. A Velo of 1897 in an exceptional preservation has been sold at 120 K € before fees by Osenat in Fontainebleau on June 21.

Victoria enthusiasts will find a copy of 1896, expanding 5 hp, in the sale of Bonhams in Henley-on-Thames on July 18. Its traceability is well known, but it has undergone many repairs. The value of a car of this age very much depends on its authenticity. The expected price, £ 140 K, is not a foregone conclusion.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Excellent result for this Victoria: 200 K£ hammer, 220 K£ including fees. The better, this very early car deserved such a price.

In fact, to explain the conclusion of my article before sale, the catalog was not clear with regard to the rebuilt made in 2001. I had not realized if only the painting had been redone, or if the wooden wheels were also changed.

This confirms what I already said: the best descriptions are not enough for art sales at auction. For top lots, on-line sales without exhibition must not be considered.