Mercedes-Benz Simplex
The world's first modern car and the foundation of the Mercedes-Benz legacy.
- Power
- 40 bhp
- Top speed
- 50 mph
- Est. value
- $10m–$15m
About the Mercedes-Benz Simplex
The Mercedes Simplex 40 hp is widely regarded as the first modern automobile, moving away from the 'horseless carriage' design toward a lower centre of gravity and a front-mounted engine. Developed by Wilhelm Maybach and Paul Daimler, it featured a honeycomb radiator and a gate-shift transmission, innovations that defined automotive architecture for decades. Its name 'Simplex' referred to the relative ease of operation compared to its predecessors. Today, it is one of the most significant and valuable veteran cars in existence, representing the birth of the Mercedes brand.
Mercedes-Benz Simplex specs
The Mercedes-Benz Simplex produces 40 bhp (30 kW). It has a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
| Make | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|
| Model | Simplex |
| Trim | 40 hp |
| Years | 1902–1903 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Tonneau |
| Country | Germany |
| Engine | 6.8-litre inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 6,785 cc (6.8 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 40 bhp (30 kW) at 1,050 rpm |
| Redline | 1,200 rpm |
| Top speed | 50 mph (80 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,250 kg (2,756 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 32 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Mercedes-Benz Simplex worth?
A typical Mercedes-Benz Simplex is estimated to be worth $10,000,000 – $15,000,000 (about £7,460,000 – £11,190,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Mercedes-Benz Simplex rarity in CarSpot
The Mercedes-Benz Simplex is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Mercedes-Benz Simplex fun facts
- The 40 hp model was a direct successor to the Mercedes 35 hp, which is often cited as the very first Mercedes-branded vehicle.
- It featured a revolutionary honeycomb radiator that allowed for much more efficient engine cooling, a design still echoed in modern cars.
- In 2024, a 1903 Mercedes-Simplex 60 hp sold for over $12 million, highlighting the immense collector value of this specific era of Mercedes engineering.
