ModaMiami honours the birth of the automobile 140 years ago, celebrating the revolutionary invention that changed global mobility forever. At ModaMiami, visitors will witness history in motion with the legendary Benz Patent Motor Car, the world’s first automobile and the official birth certificate of the car.
Invented by Carl Benz, the Patent Motor Car was patented on 29 January 1886, marking the beginning of “140 years of innovation.” This historic vehicle is now recognised in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, underlining its global cultural significance.
At ModaMiami 2026, the Benz Patent Motor Car will:
Offer demonstration rides around the exhibition grounds
Lead a section of the Moda Classic Drive on Friday, 27 February 2026
Serve as a living tribute to the origins of automotive engineering
Historic Highlight for Collectors
For enthusiasts and collectors, Mercedes-Benz Classic Vehicle Trade offers fully driveable replicas of the 1886 Benz Patent Motor Car. With complete access to wear and spare parts, these replicas are ideal for museums, private collections, and educational demonstrations showcasing the dawn of motoring.
Technical Specifications – Benz Patent Motor Car (1886)
Engine: Single-cylinder, four-stroke petrol engine
Displacement: ~954 cc
Power Output: Approx. 0.75 hp
Top Speed: ~10 mph (16 km/h)
Transmission: Belt drive
Chassis: Tubular steel frame
Seating: 2 passengers
Competition & Contemporary Rivals (Late 19th Century)
Daimler Motorized Carriage (1886) – Gottlieb Daimler
De Dion-Bouton Tricycle (1895)
Panhard et Levassor Type A (1890)
These early machines followed the path pioneered by Benz, but the Patent Motor Car remains the first true automobile.
Why This Matters
ModaMiami 2026 doesn’t just showcase cars—it celebrates the moment mobility was born, connecting collectors, historians, and enthusiasts with the origins of automotive innovation.
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