The Prinz-Heinrich-Fahrt is a stage race on German roads including a few hill climbs. The competition takes place over three consecutive years, 1908 to 1910, for a total of about 6000 Km. The trophy awarded to the winner at the completion of these three events is a silver model car weighing 13.5 Kg offered by the prince.
A Benz 50 hp wins the first of these rallies in 1908. It is a very good advertising for the brand that decides to launch a model of touring car under the name Prinz-Heinrich-Wagen with a considerably increased power which allows to reach 130 km/h.
A Benz 75/105 hp Prinz-Heinrich is for sale by Bonhams on November 11 in the house sale of the Bothwell collection near Los Angeles, lot 420 estimated $ 1M.
Built in 1908 or 1909, this car was exported to the US and frequently used by Barney Oldfield. A great fan of Benz vehicles, Oldfield was nicknamed the Speed King after driving a Blitzen-Benz at 210 Km/h at Daytona Beach in March 1910.
SOLD for $ 1.87M including premium
World Famous Bothwell Collection Of Historic Motorcars To Be Auctioned at Bonhams https://t.co/T5d65c6P3j pic.twitter.com/nP8hB0jjOh
— BONHAMS (@bonhams1793) August 31, 2017
Bothwell Collection 'Prinz Heinrich' Benz Raceabout Offered at auction https://t.co/g1iXcoCviq
— Sports Car Digest (@SportsCarDigest) October 18, 2017