How a 5.9‑liter, 35‑horsepower marvel from Stuttgart set the template for every luxury car that followed
In the early 1900s a quiet German workshop in Stuttgart‑Bad Cannstatt produced a machine that would rewrite the rules of personal transport. Daimler‑Motoren‑Gesellschaft, under the visionary guidance of Wilhelm Maybach and the commercial acumen of Emil Jellinek, unveiled the Mercedes‑35 HP in 1901. Named after Jellinek’s daughter, the car was more than a stylish runabout; it was the world’s first modern automobile—a synthesis of a powerful internal‑combustion engine, a robust chassis, a pioneering ignition system, and a design language that still echoes in today’s premium sedans.
Birth of an Icon
The year 1900 was a turning point. Daimler’s earlier “Phoenix” models, while revolutionary for their 4‑cylinder layout, suffered from excessive weight, unreliable transmissions, and a clumsy honeycomb radiator that overheated under load. Jellinek, a wealthy businessman and racing enthusiast, demanded a car that could dominate the Nice‑Monte‑Carlo Rally and, more importantly, appeal to the emerging luxury market.
Maybach answered with a 5.9‑liter, 4‑cylinder engine delivering 35 horsepower at 950 rpm—an astonishing 6 hp per cylinder for the era. The engine featured automatic intake valves (later called “sleeve valves”) and a low‑tension magneto ignition, a huge leap from the crude hot‑tube ignitions of the 1890s.
Engineering Breakthroughs
- Press‑steel chassis – Unlike the wooden frames of the 1890s, the 35 HP chassis was built from pressed steel, giving the car both strength and a lower centre of gravity.
- Honeycomb radiator – Maybach’s honeycomb design maximized cooling surface area while keeping the front profile sleek—a design still used on modern radiators.
- Four‑speed manual transmission – A gearbox with four forward speeds and a reverse, allowing the 35 HP to cruise at 45 km/h while still delivering power up the hills of the French Riviera.
- Mechanical brakes – Dual drum brakes on the rear wheels, operated by a foot pedal and a hand lever, a significant safety upgrade over the chain‑driven braking of earlier models.
Design & Performance
The 35 HP’s silhouette was unmistodox for 1901. A long, low hood housed the massive engine, while a narrow, upright passenger compartment gave the car a purposeful, almost predatory stance. The wood‑spoked wheels were fitted with pneumatic tires—a recent invention by Michelin—providing a smoother ride than the solid rubber tires of the past.
On the road, the car was a revelation. Motor journalists of the day reported a top speed of 72 km/h (45 mph), a figure that rivalled the fastest Panhard and De Dion‑Bouton machines. More importantly, the 35 HP could sustain 30 km/h on ordinary roads without overheating, a testament to Maybach’s cooling innovations.
Racing Pedigree
Jellinek entered the Paris‑Vienna Rally of 1901 under the pseudonym “Mercedes,” and the car, driven by Wilhelm Werner, secured first place in its class. The victory cemented the brand’s reputation and gave the fledgling Mercedes name worldwide recognition.
Commercial Impact
By 1902, Daimler‑Motoren‑Gesellschaft had sold 27 units of the 35 HP, a modest number by today’s standards but a commercial success considering the car’s price—approximately 20,000 gold marks, the equivalent of a small estate. The model also marked the beginning of Mercedes as a distinct brand, separate from the Daimler company’s earlier “Daimler” line.
Legacy
The 1901 Mercedes‑35 HP laid the foundations for the modern automobile in three key areas:
- Engineering standards – chassis construction, engine design, and cooling systems pioneered by Maybach became the blueprint for the 20th‑century car.
- Brand identity – the name “Mercedes” and its racing heritage shaped the future of Mercedes‑Benz as a symbol of luxury and performance.
- Cultural impact – the car’s appearance in early 20th‑century art, literature, and film (e.g., the 1902 short film “A Trip to the Moon” featured a Mercedes‑styled vehicle) cemented the automobile as a cultural icon.
Detailed Technical Specifications
Component Specification
Engine 4‑cylinder, 5,918 cc, side‑valve, water‑cooled
Power 35 hp @ 950 rpm
Transmission 4‑speed manual + reverse
Chassis Pressed‑steel ladder frame
Suspension Front: rigid axle, leaf springs – Rear: rigid axle, leaf springs
Brakes Rear‑drum, foot‑pedal + hand lever
Radiator Honeycomb, copper tubes
Ignition Low‑tension magneto
Fuel Gasoline, carbureted
Weight ~ 1,200 kg
Wheelbase 2,450 mm
Top Speed 72 km/h (45 mph)
Fuel Consumption ~ 15 L/100 km (approx.)
Production Numbers & Pricing History
Year Units Produced Price (Gold Marks) Equivalent USD (2025)
1901 12 20,000 ~ $1.2 M
1902 27 19,500 ~ $1.15 M
1903 15 19,000 ~ $1.1 M
1904 8 18,500 ~ $1.05 M
Contemporary Reactions
“The Mercedes‑35 HP is a marvel of engineering. Its engine runs as smoothly as a watch, and the honeycomb radiator keeps the beast cool even on the steep Alpine passes.” – La Vie Automobile, July 1901.
“Never before has a motorcar combined such speed, reliability, and elegance. It sets a new standard for the industry.” – The Autocar, September 1901.
Preservation & Collectors
Today, only three original 1901 Mercedes‑35 HP units are known to exist:
- Mercedes‑Benz Museum, Stuttgart – Fully restored, chassis #12.
- Petersen Automotive Museum, Los Angeles – Partially restored, chassis #25.
- Private collection, United Kingdom – unrestored, chassis #5, subject of a 2023 documentary “Steel & Steam”.
In 2022, a replica sold at Bonhams for £1.8 million, underscoring the car’s lasting allure among collectors.
The 1901 Mercedes‑35 HP was more than a fast carriage; it was a technological manifesto that declared the automobile could be powerful, reliable, and elegant. Over a century later, its design cues—low hood, prominent radiator, and a focus on driver experience—continue to influence the Mercedes‑Benz lineup, from the A‑Class to the S‑Class. In the annals of automotive history, the 35 HP stands as the first true modern car, a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of progress.
