On January 29, 1886, the history of transportation took a radical turn with the patenting of the first automobile. This achievement was the work of the German engineer Carl Benz, who introduced an innovative vehicle in an era dominated mainly by animal traction and steam. The patent, number DRP 37435, not only represented an advance in engineering, but also marked the beginning of the global automotive industry, with Daimler AG, now known as Mercedes-Benz, at the forefront.
Benz’s patent was a simple document compared to today’s complex applications; it contained the car’s blueprints and symbolized a new era in mobility. Since its recognition in 2011 as part of UNESCO’s Memory of the World Program, it has become an icon of progress and innovation.
Carl Benz not only patented the first automobile, but also built it in 1885. His creation, the Motorwagen, was a three-wheeled vehicle powered by a four-stroke single-cylinder engine that reached a top speed of 16 km/h. The public debut of the Motorwagen took place on July 3, 1886 in Mannheim, but it was his wife Bertha Benz who, in 1888, made the first long-distance journey in a car, covering 96 kilometers and demonstrating its practical viability.
From that moment on, advancements in automotive technology accelerated. From the Motorwagen, which sold only 25 units between 1886 and 1893, to the introduction of the Velo Benz in 1894, Benz’s innovations and those of other pioneers transformed the design, safety, and efficiency of vehicles.
Among the curious facts about the patent of the first automobile is the use of petroleum ether as fuel, purchased at pharmacies by Bertha Benz during her famous journey. The initial production was limited, with only 25 units sold in the first few years. However, its legacy endures as the achievements of Karl Benz laid the groundwork for an industry that has evolved greatly.
The patent of the first automobile has proven to be a symbol not only of human ingenuity, but also of how personal mobility has changed society. Since that day in 1886, daily life has been marked by the influence of this innovative invention, which continues to inspire advancements in technology and transportation. Carl Benz’s vision has impacted the world in ways that still amaze, and reflecting on his legacy poses a provocative question: what would modern life be like without the existence of the automobile?
via: MiMub in Spanish
