The Benz Velo was one of the first cars, introduced by Carl Benz in 1894 as the followup to the Patent-Motorwagen. 67 Benz Velos were built in 1894 and 134 in 1895. The early Velo had a 1L 1.5 hp engine, and later a 3 hp engine giving a top speed of 12 mph. The Velo was officially introduced by Benz as the Velocipede, and became the world's first standardized serial production car.[1] The Velocipede remained in production between 1894 and 1902, with a final count of over 1,200 produced.[2]
Preceding events and history
Carl Benz patented the world's first stationary, static internal combustion engine. His patent created a great demand for his vehicles, forcing Benz to move his operations in 1886 to a new factory on Waldhofstrasse in Mannheim (operating until 1908). Benz had appointed a Board of Management to help aid his growing company. The appointees suggested to Benz that he should create a less-expensive automobile suitable for mass production. In response, Benz engineered a two-passenger automobile with a 3 hp engine, which he called the Victoria. That model could reach a top speed of 11 mph, and utilized a pivotal front-axle operated by a roller-chained tiller for steering. 85 units of the Victoria were produced. Improving on those designs, Benz created his Benz Velo. In 1898, a development of the Velo was produced, called the Ideal.[3]