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[Arieb]

In my continuing search for accurate information on the various Blitzen Benzes, I have found an article in "The Newark Advocate" of 3rd October 1912 titled: "Disposed of Benz car".

The article goes on to say that: "Wilbur Rider, who came into possession of the famous Benz racing car several weeks ago, disposed of the same Wednesday to an exhibition company for a handsome sum realizing nicely on his investment, having purchased the machine as an investment. The famous racing car has been driven in many a race by Barney Oldfield and was known over the United States as the "speed devil".

Can anyone identify this Benz car?

I know Oldfield used the 120HP Benz that was driven by Hemery at the GP ACF in 1906, and he traded this in to purchase the "Blitzen Benz #1".

When he was banned by the AAA there were his 4 cars (?) that were banned with him: the Blitzen Benz, a 60HP KNox, a Prince Henry Benz and the 100HP Darraq. Later reinstated when Ernie Moross had bought the cars from Oldfield and Burman started driving the Blitzen Benz.

In 1912 Oldfield bought a Cino, a Vhristie front-drive and a Prince Henry Benz to tour the racetracks of the US.

I have been unable to find any reference to any Oldfield car as "Speed Devil" and am assuming this was pure fabrication by the author of the article.

However, there is the possibility that the Benz referred to, alhough never driven by Oldfield, was the "Blitzen Benz" #2, a.k.a. "300 Horsepower Jumbo Benz" which did not perform as well as advertised, and soon seems to have gone over into other hands (certainly other drivers than those in the Moross "stable").

Any information or help would be very much appreciated!