Car development moved fast in the early years but some manufacturers developed faster.
The Mercedes 60hp here is from 1903 and could do 73mph. Fitted with an inline 9.2 litre 4 cylinder engine and dual brakes. (The hand brake worked on the rear drums and the foot brake on the transmission).
73mph does not sound fast, but surfaced roads had not made it to Europe yet and steering linkages made for an exciting drive. In England the speed limit was only 20mph and racing was not allowed.
The owner was telling us that when the car was made it cost the equivalent of £111,000 but each tyre cost £3200 to replace and although you might have been able to afford the car you couldn't afford to run it. It carried three spare tyres. (In 1903 tyres were also smooth and tread was not introduced until 1904).
He also said all the cars original owners died while driving in accidents. Not a good sales pitch.
Moving on to 1909 and this French 130hp Lorrane De Deitrich. Geared to do 110mph at 1500rpm.
This car uses a Lorrane De Deitrich aero derived engine of 16.5 litre. It is quite similar in design to the Mercedes with manual oiling and chain drive.
All photos are my own
