Benz Comfortable Runabout, circa 1897
01
Artifact Overview
Benz & Company's Comfortable, built by the German automaker from 1896 to 1899, received its unusual name because of its key innovation. It was the first Benz fitted with pneumatic tires. The air-filled tires produced a much softer ride than solid rubber. Pneumatic tires, along with chain drives and steel-tube frames, were adopted by early carmakers from the bicycle industry.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Automobile
Date Made
circa 1897
Creators
Place of Creation
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
30.1725.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Steel (Alloy)
Metal
Wood (Plant material)
Leather
Rubber (Material)
Color
Black (Color)
Red
Dimensions
Height: 79.25 in
Width: 48.75 in
Length: 87 in
Wheelbase: 52 in
Inscriptions
Plate on right side: PATENT MOTOR WAGEN NO. 2583 BENZ & CO. MANNHEIM GASM,OTORENFABRIK. A.G.
Painted in white on rear deck: 3P.S.BENZ 1898 BERLIN-HAMBURG
Lanterns: "LES VESTALES" BESNARD NO. 752 Sie H. Engine No. 2478
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