1911 Vauxhall Prince Henry model car; c. 1926.

1911 Vauxhall Prince Henry model car; c. 1926.
Polychrome metal.
Signed J.E Zier on a piece of paper glued to the chassis.
Measurements: 15.5 x 38 x 10 cm.
The Prinz-Heinrich-Fahrt (Prince Heinrich Tour, also known as the Prince Henry Tour), named after Prince Heinrich of Prussia, (1862-1929) was an automobile competition held between 1908 and 1911 and a precursor to the German Grand Prix. Only production passenger cars with four seats and three passengers were admitted, no specially built racing cars were allowed.
The model cars of the early and mid-20th century were fundamental to both the automobile industry and to the development of design and engineering. These models, made of wood, clay or metal, allowed designers to test aerodynamics, ergonomics and aesthetics prior to mass production. They also played a key role in the evolution of model making as a hobby, fostering an interest in mechanics and automotive design. Their impact extends to the present day, as they laid the foundation for today's digital and physical prototypes used in the automotive industry.