Karl Friedrich Benz (Carl Benz) Bertha Ritter Benz
Karl Friedrich Benz was born in 1844 in Baden Muehlburg, Germany (now part of Karlsruhe). He was the son of an engine driver. Benz attended the Karlsruhe grammar school and later the Karlsruhe Polytechnic University. In 1871, He founded his first company with partner August Ritter, the "Iron Foundry and Machine Shop" a supplier of building materials.
He married Bertha Ringer in 1872, who played an active role in his business, together they had five children.Benz began his work on a two-stroke engine, in hopes of finding a new income. He received his first patent in 1879. In 1883, he founded Benz & Company to produce industrial engines in Mannheim, Germany. He then began designing a "motor carriage", with a four-stroke engine (based on Nicolaus Otto's patent). Benz designed his engine (958cc, 0.75hp) and the body for the three-wheel vehicle with an electric ignition, differential gears, and water-cooling. The car was first driven in Mannheim in 1885. On January 29, 1886, he was granted a patent for his gas-fueled automobile (DRP 37435) and in July, he began selling his automobile to the public.
He married Bertha Ringer in 1872, who played an active role in his business, together they had five children.Benz began his work on a two-stroke engine, in hopes of finding a new income. He received his first patent in 1879. In 1883, he founded Benz & Company to produce industrial engines in Mannheim, Germany. He then began designing a "motor carriage", with a four-stroke engine (based on Nicolaus Otto's patent). Benz designed his engine (958cc, 0.75hp) and the body for the three-wheel vehicle with an electric ignition, differential gears, and water-cooling. The car was first driven in Mannheim in 1885. On January 29, 1886, he was granted a patent for his gas-fueled automobile (DRP 37435) and in July, he began selling his automobile to the public.
Benz built his first four-wheeled car in 1891.
Benz & Company, the company started by the inventor, became the world's largest manufacturer of automobiles by 1900.
In 1893, the Benz Velo became the world's first inexpensive, mass-produced car.
In 1903, Karl Benz retired from Benz & Company; his designs were already outdated by Gottlieb Daimler. He served as a member of the supervisory board of Daimler-Benz AG from 1926, when the company was formed, until his death in 1929.
©Mary Bellis
Benz & Company, the company started by the inventor, became the world's largest manufacturer of automobiles by 1900.
In 1893, the Benz Velo became the world's first inexpensive, mass-produced car.
In 1903, Karl Benz retired from Benz & Company; his designs were already outdated by Gottlieb Daimler. He served as a member of the supervisory board of Daimler-Benz AG from 1926, when the company was formed, until his death in 1929.
©Mary Bellis
Click on the buttons below to learn more about Carl Benz and his wife, Bertha.
From the College for Mechanical Engineering in Karlsruhe, Germany.
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From the European Automotive Hall of Fame.
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A biography of Bertha from Mercedes-Benz Classic Home.
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In August 1888, Bertha Benz, the 39-year-old wife of German engineer, Karl Benz, made history when she took his car for a ride without permission.
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A very special anniversary is being celebrated this year: 125 years ago Bertha Benz, the wife of automobile pioneer Carl Benz, undertook the first long-distance driving trip.
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Below are short clips about Carl and Bertha Benz.
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Automobile visionary and inventor Carl Benz: With his patent for the "Vehicle with gas engine" the car was born. This program shows how Benz & Co, which was founded 1883 gave birth to ideas, which ultimately changed the world.
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Carl & Bertha - Trailer for the movie telling about Carl and Bertha Benz. The movie is in German but the trailer is in English and with sub-titles.
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In 1888, Karl Benz had perfected his prototype horseless carriage. His wife Bertha was determined that his ideas reach the public by making the very first road trip on Benz Patent-Motorwagen. From Discovery Channel.
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Germany is home to the world's first gas powered automobile and later boat's, buses and trains. Produced and Hosted by Percy von Lipinski.
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A history of Mercedes Benz Part 1
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Photos used under Creative Commons from carl-leonard.com, picture-alliance / dpa, Chris 73 / Wikimedia Commons