PatentMotorwagen

The Patent-Motorwagen, also known as the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, is generally regarded as the first practical automobile designed to be propelled by an internal combustion engine. It was built by Karl Benz in Mannheim, Germany, during 1885–1886 and was patented in 1886 (DRP 37435). The vehicle demonstrated that a gasoline-powered, self-propelled carriage could be steered and controlled like a horse-drawn vehicle, marking a milestone in automotive history.

Design and technical features

The Patent-Motorwagen was a three-wheeled vehicle with a rear-mounted single-cylinder four-stroke gasoline engine. The engine produced about 0.75 horsepower and drove the rear wheel by a belt drive. It used a simple ignition system and a basic carburetor, with a tubular steel frame and wooden wheels fitted with iron tires. The front wheel provided steering, while the two rear wheels delivered propulsion and support. The overall construction was lightweight and relatively compact for its era, emphasizing practicality and reliability over speed or luxury.

Historical significance and legacy

The Patent-Motorwagen is hailed as the first automobile designed to be powered by an internal combustion engine, rather than adapted from a horse-drawn carriage. In 1888, Bertha Benz undertook the first long-distance automobile journey, driving from Mannheim to Pforzheim to demonstrate the vehicle’s viability and to promote its commercialization. This early success helped spur interest in motor vehicle development and the eventual growth of the automotive industry.

After-Benz developments

Karl Benz’s company later became Benz & Cie. In 1926, Benz & Cie merged with Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft to form Mercedes-Benz, a major later automobile manufacturer. The Patent-Motorwagen remains a symbol of early automotive innovation and the shift toward powered personal mobility.