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Karl Benz (1844-1929, Germany): Modern Gas Engine for Automobiles

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The importance of the automobile to human progress can't be overstated. From the very start, people were fascinated with the prospect of individualised transportation, allowing them to go places whenever they pleased. It was the introduction of the internal combustion engine for automobiles by German engineer Karl Benz in 1885 that opened the door to what would become known as the Automotive Century.

There is a certain kind of devotion and fanaticism in men when it comes to automobiles that has been there since the beginning. Internal combustion engines already existed when engine enthusiast Karl Benz went to work but his constant refinements created a model that was perfect for moving a motor vehicle, providing a high power/weight ratio together with excellent fuel energy density.

And thanks to his sharp business sense, Karl Benz succeeded in creating a motor vehicle with the right combination of performance and mass appeal. In 1885, he unveiled the Motorwagen, a three-wheeler powered by a four-stroke gasoline engine. It was the first ever commercial automobile.

The patenting process for Benz's engine came at a time of heated competition in the field of engine design. A number of Benz's contemporaries, most notably Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach, were also working towards the same goal. But ultimately, Benz received credit for refining the process that made the internal combustion engine feasible for use in automobiles, and was granted the first patent for his engine in 1886.

And true to his legendary status, the automotive legacy of Karl Benz is far from limited to engine construction. The avid engine designer and inventor kept true to his passion and received patents for numerous other related inventions, including accelerators, spark plugs and carburettors.

Having secured the necessary patents, Karl Benz went on to found the Benz Company, precursor of what is today known as DaimlerChrysler.

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