Age has never been a barrier for Nagpur-based model engineer Iqbal Ahmed, who is set to turn 80 on June 30 this year. The veteran craftsman has achieved a remarkable feat by building a full-scale working replica of the historic 1886 Benz Motorwagen, widely regarded as the world's first automobile powered by an internal combustion engine. Known for his exceptional miniature engineering skills, Ahmed spent 19 years meticulously working on the ambitious project. He completed the vehicle in 2023 and successfully demonstrated its operation earlier this year, earning admiration from automobile enthusiasts and engineering experts alike. Ahmed's fascination with the Benz Motorwagen dates back decades. In 2011, he received the Award of Excellence from the Central India Vintage Automobile Association for constructing a highly detailed one-quarter scale model of the iconic vehicle.

 

The award was presented on World Automotive Day in recognition of his outstanding craftsmanship and engineering precision. What made the miniature model extraordinary was that Ahmed not only replicated the appearance of the original vehicle but also successfully recreated the functioning internal combustion engine. Remarkably, all the castings, machining and assembly work were carried out by Ahmed himself. The achievement was even more impressive considering the limitations of his workshop.

 

Working primarily with a small tabletop milling machine, Ahmed devised innovative methods and custom fixtures to perform operations that would normally require much larger industrial machinery. His craftsmanship attracted international attention, and in 2011 he travelled to Detroit, USA, to showcase his quarter-scale Benz Motorwagen at the prestigious North American Model Engineering Society Expo, where it was appreciated by model engineering enthusiasts from across the world. Inspired by the success of the miniature version, Ahmed later resolved to build a full-scale replica of the historic automobile. Balancing the project with his daily responsibilities, he gradually collected materials and components over the years before finally completing the vehicle in 2023. Speaking to ‘The Hitavada’, Ahmed said, “I successfully ran the vehicle during an event at Raman Science Centre and later at an event organised by ‘The Hitavada Twinkle Club at St Ursula High School ground.”

 

For Ahmed, who has spent decades creating intricate engineering models, building a life-size vehicle represented his biggest challenge yet. Throughout the long journey, he received unwavering support from his family, which he credits as a key factor behind his success. Today, as he approaches his 80th birthday, Ahmed's working replica of the Benz Motorwagen stands as a testament to perseverance, innovation and the enduring spirit of engineering craftsmanship. His achievement not only celebrates the history of the automobile but also highlights the extraordinary talent that continues to thrive in Nagpur.