Replica of world's first car in Goa soon

The first automobile in the world, a Benz Motorwagen 1886 model working replica, is coming to Goa soon. Goans and tourists will soon have the incredible opportunity to see the Benz Motorwagen marvel at Ashvek Vintage World, Nuvem. 

Known for his passion for vintage cars, Pradeep Naik, owner of Ashvek Vintage World, got the thrill of his life when he saw the Benz Motorwagen at the Brooklyn Garage in UK and he was so excited that he just knew he had to get one for himself to add to his already astounding collection of cars. It was revealed to him that a working replica of the Benz Motorwagen 1886 model was being manufactured in India, at Coimbatore in the state of Tamil Nadu and a good turn of events was about to happen to fulfil his frenzied desire. These working models are then transported to London, from where they are delivered across the globe.
Sitting at the Madras Café one evening on the Colva main road, Pradeep, who was invited there on the occasion of the owner Robin's birthday, got to know that Noeline, who also co-owns the cafe was from Coimbatore. He of course asked her if she knew about The GD Naidu Company in Coimbatore who are the manufacturers of the Benz Motorwagen replica apart from other genius models. The rest as they say is history. Seeing his enthusiasm and desperate desire to get this car, she, using her family connections, organised a one-to-one meeting with Gopal Naidu, the Chairman of UMS Technologies and son of the late GD Naidu.
Pradeep immediately flew to Coimbatore with his technicians - Robin and Jeyaraj. There he was introduced to Gopal who took them on tour of his facility and a ride on the Motorwagen 1886 model replica. "It was an overwhelming dream-come-true experience," says Pradeep who is, now eager to bring that experience to Goa for ardent automobile lovers. "Through my state-of-the-art showroom, I intend to introduce the world of vintage vehicles and educate the young generation," he announces his intention.
The original Benz Patent Motorwagen, the world's acclaimed first automobile, was built by Karl Benz in 1885 and was patented in 1886. Karl Benz's brilliant idea of using an internal combustion engine to power the automobile as opposed to horse drawn carriages was a stroke of genius. The car had the Benz 954 cc single cylinder 4-stroke light weight engine with trembler coil ignition. It had an open crankshaft with balance weights, a drip oiling system and water cooling enough to generate 0.55KW and a top speed of 16 km/h. Its fuel was benzene and it snorted and hissed as it confidently moved along using a pushrod operated poppet valve for exhaust. The large horizontal fly wheel stabilizes the single cylinder's power output and an evaporative carburettor controls by a sleeve valve to regulate the power and engine speed. This three wheel automobile's engine is rear mounted and steering was by way of a toothed rack which pivoted the front wheel.
"This tricycle configuration is an invaluable invention of a singular kind and isn't it exciting to have its exact replica in Goa for posterity?" asks the impassioned automobile lover in Pradeep. He states that Gopal has promised to deliver the exact replica, fitted with wooden texture in the first week of November. So, the statuesque Benz Motorwagen 1886 replica is expected to be in Goa any time this week.
Pradeep, who is participating in the fourth edition of Mercedes Classic Car Rally 2017 at Mahalaxmi Race Course in Mumbai on November 12, is anxious to receive Benz Motorwagen 1886 in Goa before flying for the rally which attracts participants across the country with their most exclusive, exquisite and almost every generation of Mercedes produced so far. "The rally is expected to be flagged off by Roland Folger, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India," says Pradeep who owns a fleet of vintage Mercedes cars.