Daimler
Stahlradwagen (wire-wheel car)

Why it matters

The Stahlradwagen was the first true four-wheeled car to come from the Daimler and Maybach workshop in Cannstatt, after their earlier test vehicle, the motorcycle-like Einspur. It was shown at the 1889 World Exhibition in Paris, where it attracted great interest. The French makers Peugeot and Panhard & Levassor took up the Daimler engine for their first cars.

How rare is it?

Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.

Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.

History

After extensive tests with the Einspur, Wilhelm Maybach felt that a "real" car had to be built. The result was a four-wheeler with four seats, which was exhibited in Paris in 1889.

Its name refers to the construction: a tubular frame and steel wheels with wire spokes. By then the engine was a V-twin.

Technical specifications

Engine

Transmission & drivetrain

Chassis, body & dimensions

Performance

“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

1. 1
   A Daimler triptych, part 1 Level B Louwman Museum

   • The engine was by then a V twin
   • The car had a tubular frame
   • steel wheels with wire spokes, hence the name Stahlradwagen

   Accessed 2026-11-12