Rare 1914 Benz 18/45 Showcases Pre-World War I Automotive Excellence at DFW Car & Toy Museum

A rare automotive treasure from the early 20th century has found a new home at the DFW Car & Toy Museum, providing visitors a remarkable opportunity to explore the sophisticated engineering of pre-World War I automobile manufacturing. The 1914 Benz 18/45 Four Passenger Runabout, part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, represents a pivotal moment in automotive history when vehicles transitioned from mere transportation to symbols of technological innovation and social status.

The Benz 18/45 exemplifies the pinnacle of automotive design during its era, featuring a powerful 4.9-liter four-cylinder L-Head engine capable of producing 45 horsepower. At a time when most vehicles were rudimentary, this model represented cutting-edge technology, offering performance that distinguished it from contemporary competitors. Its V-shaped radiator and unique non-standard coachwork provided not just functionality, but an aesthetic appeal that set it apart from mass-produced vehicles.

Priced at $3,250 in 1911—an astronomical sum equivalent to over $90,000 today—the Benz 18/45 was exclusively designed for wealthy clientele. Its pricing and engineering reflected the automotive industry's evolution from utilitarian transportation to a marker of technological prowess and social standing. The vehicle's lineage can be traced to Benz's remarkable racing heritage, including the famous Blitzen Benz, which set land speed records that stood for nearly a decade.

The museum's acquisition of this vehicle offers more than a static display of automotive history. It provides context for understanding technological progression, social dynamics, and design philosophy of the early 20th century. Visitors can examine the brass lights, intricate accessories, and engineering details that represent a transformative period in transportation technology.

Located in North Fort Worth, the DFW Car & Toy Museum now houses this exceptional vehicle among its collection of over 200 automobiles. The museum offers free admission and a unique, immersive experience for automotive enthusiasts, historians, and casual visitors alike, bridging the gap between technological history and public education.