1900 Benz Duc Contra Duc

In 1886, Carl Benz created the Patent-Motorwagen, a diminutive three-wheeler, two-passenger gas-powered vehicle with a tubular steel frame, tiller steering, and a horizontally mounted engine. With a fraction of one horsepower, it sparked a revolution. By 1897 Benz had developed a double pivot steering system allowing the two front wheels to steer together, and a twin-cylinder 'Contra' engine offering smoother and stronger propulsion. It is the Contra engine that propels this 1900 Benz. This automobile had remained with the same English family its entire lifetime, until it was recently acquired by the current and second owners. Over the years its body has been modified to suit the evolving needs of the family, including the addition of a single seat, forward of the driver.