Automotive History - Catalog - Page 8
Bertha Benz
The First Lady of Mercedes
Born May 3, 1849 - Died May 5, 1944
A Historic Drive:
Bertha Benz's Trailblazing Journey Ignites the Age of Automobiles
I
n the summer of 1888, Bertha Benz embarked on an extraordinary journey that
would change the course of history.
With her two sons by her side, she set out in her husband's Benz Patent-
Motorwagen, becoming the first person to undertake a long-distance automobile trip.
Leaving her sleeping husband a note, Bertha quietly brought the engine to life and drove
towards Pforzheim, Germany, a remarkable feat that would revolutionize personal
transportation.
While Carl Benz was the inventor of the Motorwagen, it was Bertha's unwavering support
and determination that propelled the invention into the spotlight. As an early investor in her
husband's ventures, Bertha played a crucial role in funding and promoting the Motorwagen,
showcasing its potential as a viable mode of transport. Her journey served as a testament to
the vehicle's capabilities, sparking widespread interest and paving the way for the future of
automobiles.
Reference: Automotive Hall of Fame (2024, 29. March):
Bertha Benz | Automotive Hall of Fame.
https://www.automotivehalloffame.org/honoree/bertha-benz/
Throughout the journey, Bertha's resourcefulness and ingenuity were on full display as she
made repairs and modifications to the Motorwagen along the way. From using her garter to
fix the ignition to enlisting a cobbler to install replacement brake pads, Bertha's innovations
highlighted the adaptability and versatility of the automobile. Her pioneering spirit and
determination earned her a well-deserved place in history, alongside her husband, as they
were both honored with induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame.
