Benz Parsifal 10/12 PS
Year of Manufacture: 1902
Power: 10 horsepower
Displacement: 1,727 cm3
Number of Cylinders/Valves: 2/2
Weight: 814 kg
Condition: Drivable
Catalogue Number: 1
This true gem, the Benz Parsifal, is today one of the rarest exhibits in the Samohýl family collection and often stars at Mercedes-branded exhibitions across Europe. However, it has been located in the Czech Republic for over one hundred years.
It undoubtedly ranks among the breakthrough models of the traditional Mannheim-based manufacturer. The company had to react quickly to what the British press referred to as the “Year of Mercedes,” marking the beginning of the 20th century and characterized by the rise of Wilhelm Maybach’s modern engineering designs.
The Departure of Carl Benz
The emphasis on a completely new technical concept, along with the management’s effort to distance itself from carriage-like constructions, led the sales department to prioritize the name Parsifal over that of Carl Benz. Outraged by this and other disagreements, the company’s founder decided to make a demonstrative exit and left the board in April 1903.
Although the Parsifal was received with mixed reviews, it unquestionably contributed to a major modernization and brought the Mannheim brand back into the black at the turn of 1903/1904.
Under the front hood, various two-cylinder engines appeared, rated at 8/10, 10/12, and 12/14 horsepower. In 1903, a four-cylinder Parsifal 16/20 PS followed. The increased power was supported by improved cooling with the help of a circulation pump. The idle speed was set at 300 rpm.
