First ever car to get a speeding ticket will make appearance at Concours of Elegance
Arnold Benz Motor Carriage was caught at four times the speed limit at 8mph in 1896
The very first car to receive a speeding ticket will be on display at this year’s Concours of Elegance event.
The 1896 Arnold Benz Motor Carriage was caught travelling at four times the speed limit – just 8mph – and was then pulled over by a policeman on a bicycle.
The law at the time dictacted that all cars kept under a speed limit of 2mph, with all vehicles required to be led by a man on foot waving a red flag.
However, the driver was found to be disobeying both. Once caught, Walter Arnold was required to pay a fine of a shilling plus costs.
Later on in 1896, the Locomotives Act got rid of the need for a flag bearer and a 2mph speed limit – replaced instead by a 14mph limit.
The car is now set to appear at this year’s Concours of Elegance, contrasting some of the fastest cars ever built – including a Le Mans-winning Jaguar XJR-9 capable of exceeding 240mph.
The Concours of Elegance will take place from September 1 to 3 at Hampton Court Palace.
