This 1910 Benz Prinz Heinrich Racing Touring Car is from the Mercedes Benz Museum collection in Stuttgart, Germany. Newly restored by Mercedes Benz Classic, the dark green 1910 Prinz Heinrich car wearing race number 38 is considered by many automotive historians to be the first sports car. It is just one of ten Prinz Heinrich racers constructed between 1908 and 1910.
Background and History
- Manufacturer: Benz & Cie
- Named After: Prince Heinrich of Prussia, who organized the "Prinz-Heinrich-Fahrt" (Prince Heinrich Tour), an endurance race for touring cars from 1908 to 1911.
Specifications
- Engine: The car was equipped with a 5.7-liter inline-four engine.
- Power Output: The engine produced around 80 horsepower, a remarkable figure for its time.
- Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox.
- Chassis: Built on a robust chassis designed to withstand the rigors of long-distance racing.
Design and Features
- Body Style: The Benz Prinz Heinrich was a touring car with an open-top design, typical of racing vehicles of the era. It featured streamlined bodywork aimed at reducing aerodynamic drag.
- Coachwork: The bodywork was crafted to be both lightweight and durable, often customized by coachbuilders to suit the needs of the racing teams.
- Interior: The interior was minimalistic, focusing on the essentials for racing, with simple instrumentation and seating designed for endurance.
Performance
- Top Speed: The car could reach speeds of around 70 mph (113 km/h), which was impressive for a vehicle from 1910.
- Racing Success: The Benz Prinz Heinrich Racing Touring Car was successful in the Prince Heinrich Tour, a precursor to modern endurance racing. The race tested the cars over long distances on public roads, combining elements of speed and reliability.
- Handling: The car's design emphasized balance and stability, crucial for the varied and often rough road conditions encountered during the race.
Legacy
- Significance: The Prinz Heinrich car is significant as one of the earliest examples of a racing car designed specifically for endurance events. It showcased Benz's engineering capabilities and helped establish the brand's reputation in motorsport.
- Rarity: Surviving examples of the Benz Prinz Heinrich Racing Touring Car are extremely rare and highly valued by collectors and automotive historians.
- Collectibility: Due to its historical importance and the pioneering technology it represents, the Prinz Heinrich car is a prized possession in vintage car collections and museums.
Notable Achievements
- Prinz-Heinrich-Fahrt: The car's participation and success in these races demonstrated the reliability and performance of Benz vehicles, contributing to the company's prestige.
- Technological Innovation: The car featured advanced engineering for its time, including a powerful engine and streamlined design, influencing future developments in automotive design and racing.
Taken at the Amelia Concourse.
You may purchase a print of the 1910 Benz Prinz Heinrich Racing Touring Car in our dElegance 2013 online gallery.