» Karl Benz | Automotive Hall of Fame (2024)

Invented and patented the world’s first gasoline-powered automobile in 1886

Received a Gold Medal at the 1888 Munich Engineering Exposition for his car, the Patent Motorwagen

Founded Benz & Cie., which became the world’s largest manufacturer of automobiles in 1900

Karl Benz is widely recognized as the inventor of the gasoline-powered automobile. In 1871, after graduating from a German technical college and working in machine shops, Benz established a machine tool manufacturing company with partner, August Ritter. When Ritter wanted out of their agreement, Benz’s future wife, Bertha, used her dowry to save the company. She was to remain his strongest supporter during 16 years of financial hardship while Benz dedicated himself to the creation of a dependable vehicle. Inspired by Nikolaus Otto’s engine innovations, Benz developed a commercially successful 2-stroke engine. He then designed a three-wheeled vehicle and a 4-stroke engine to power it. Benz patented his car in 1886, but was determined to perfect its design before beginning production. Convinced by Bertha that his car was ready (after making a test drive herself), Benz entered it in the Munich Engineering Exposition in 1888 and received the highest honor. Taking his newly acclaimed vehicle to the streets of Munich, Benz offered test rides and attrached crowds who followed him in breathless awe. One newspaper reported, “Seldom, if ever, have passers-by in the streets of our city seen a more startling sight.”

» Karl Benz | Automotive Hall of Fame (2024)

FAQs

Did Karl Benz invent anything else? ›

In addition to the automobile itself, Benz also invented the spark plug, ignition, throttle, gear shift, water-filled radiator, clutch, and carburetor.

Who was the first person to drive a car in the world? ›

Carl Benz built what is generally considered the first car in 1885. it's likely that he was also the first person to drive it, and is certainly the first person to drive it in public. His wife Martha Benz drove the first long distance journey by car in 1888.

What is the patent number 37435? ›

The vehicle was awarded the German patent number 37435, for which Karl Benz applied on 29 January 1886. Following official procedures, the date of the application became the patent date for the invention once the patent was granted, which occurred in November of that year.

What happened to Bertha Benz? ›

Bertha Benz and her sons therefore played a vital part in the subsequent triumphant advance of the petrol-powered automobile. Bertha Benz dies on May 5, 1944, two days after her 95th birthday, in Ladenburg.

What was the first car named? ›

Karl Benz patented the three-wheeled Motor Car, known as the "Motorwagen," in 1886. It was the first true, modern automobile, meaning Benz is most often identified as the man who invented the car.

How much did the first car cost? ›

The First Car. The Benz Patent-Motorwagen built in 1886, is widely regarded as the world's first automobile; that is, a vehicle designed to be propelled by an internal combustion engine. The original cost of the vehicle in 1885 was $1,000.

Why did they call it Mercedes Benz? ›

Jellinek named the new cars after his daughter, Mercédès Jellinek, whose Spanish name translated to “mercy.” The company later went on to have the “Mercedes” name trademarked 1902. While the company continued to trade as Daimler-Benz, the car line began to carry the Mercedes-Benz name.

Who invented car without driver? ›

Long before Big Tech got behind the wheel, Ernst Dickmanns unleashed a driverless Mercedes onto the roads of Europe.

Who was the first man to own a car? ›

That depends on how you define a car, as there were some self propelled steam powered vehicles before what I would consider the first car, the Benz Patent Motorwagen. Karl Benz built it, making him the world's first car owner.

What is the highest U.S. patent number? ›

WASHINGTON – The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today officially issued U.S. patent number 11 million, recognizing an important milestone in American innovation and ingenuity.

Who has a U.S. patent number 3633? ›

Goodyear began manufacturing sheet goods in 1841 and spent a further five years perfecting the vulcanization process, patenting his Improvement in India-Rubber Fabrics in June of 1844 (patent number 3,633).

What is the patent number 102? ›

Patent number 102. Dynamite or Nobel's gunpowder. 1876.

Where is Karl Benz buried? ›

Who was buried in a Mercedes-Benz? ›

A South African politician buried inside his Mercedes-Benz

In 2020, Tshekede Bufton Pitso, a prominent South African politician died and was buried with his second-hand 1990's Mercedes-Benz E 500.

Who was the first man to drive a car in the world? ›

Carl Benz, from Germany is credited with the invention of the automobile and was the first person to drive a car in public. Some claim that his wife, Bertha was first to drive it, but this is unlikely.

What did Mercedes-Benz invent? ›

The First Automobile

It began with the Motorwagen. Carl Benz was awarded German patent #37435 for a three-wheeled, self-propelled vehicle with a rear-mounted single-cylinder engine. In that instant, the world became smaller, and it set the course for our legacy of innovation that continues to this day.

What great invention did Karl Benz invent? ›

On January 29, 1886, Carl Benz applied for a patent for his “vehicle powered by a gas engine.” The patent – number 37435 – may be regarded as the birth certificate of the automobile. In July 1886 the newspapers reported on the first public outing of the three-wheeled Benz Patent Motor Car, model no. 1.

Did Karl Benz or Henry Ford invent the car? ›

Henry Ford is often incorrectly thought of as the inventor of the automobile. (That distinction belongs to Karl Benz of Germany.) Henry Ford was an innovative man who revolutionized the automobile industry. Ford was born on July 30, 1863 in Dearborn, Michigan.

Who invented the first car Britannica? ›

German mechanical engineer Karl Benz (also spelled Carl) designed and in 1885 built the world's first practical automobile to be powered by an internal-combustion engine. Karl Friedrich Benz was born on November 25, 1844, in Karlsruhe, Baden (Germany).

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