The 1911 Cambridge Supercar Mystery (update: 45HP Mercedes Gordon Watney? )

• 

Derrick Wells sent us this picture and writes: "This is the car that belonged to a friend's grandfather whilst he was up at Cambridge in 1911.  It was thought that it may be a Lancia, but I would be most grateful for a definite identification."

Editor: dear Derrick, to be honest, we would eat our Panama hat if this would be a Lancia. Looks more like one of the Benz 90 /100/200 HP chaindriven monsters  that were around in that era. Too bad that little or nothing similar has been preserved. Imagine that you drive up the lawns of Amelia Island next week with this deep roaring four pot supercar... Elegant is not the right word to describe The Thing. Not the kind of machinery to expect in these respected surroundings... The massive overall appearance. The supersized disced wheels. The outrageous exhaust system. The low cut tourer body. The imposing chaindrive arrangement. Everything is heavy and monstruous. Eager to learn if we were right about Benz.

editorial update: Interesting to find this period advert by Gordon Watney, suggesting this is a 45 HP Mercedes four seater  conversion by Gordon Watney

Kommentar abgeben...