If truth be told, before this date there had already been “auto-mobiles” powered by steam or electricity. But not only did Carl Benz hit upon the brilliant idea of using an internal combustion engine as the drive system for a “self-mover”; he was also the first to have the tenacity to secure success for the invention. On 29 January 1886 he presented his stroke of genius at the Imperial Patent Office – the car was born. His single-cylinder 4-stroke engine with a displacement of 0.954 of a litre anticipated elements still found in every internal combustion engine to this day: a crankshaft with balance weights, electric ignition and water cooling: enough to generate 0.55 kW and a top speed of 16 km/h, virtually corresponding to the power of a whole horse. Snorting loudly and hissing terrifyingly, the newfangled motor car must have seemed like the work of the devil to some back then.
Anyone brave enough to try out Benz’s invention was a true pioneer, for there was no road network, there were no workshops, and they had to forge their own replacement parts. Nevertheless, no less than 25 production-version units of the patent motor car were sold. Daimler built his “motorised carriage” that same year.
Benz initially had a slight edge over Daimler, but then Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft designed a car that was a model for the industry, going down in history as a “Mercedes”.
So, to celebrate the 125th anniversary of such an epic event in History, we're going to take a drive down memory lane with the 'Back to the Future' contest.
Dedicated to the Mercedes-Benz enthusiast, the 'Back to the Future' contest is all about our 125 years of innovation. So, if you think you know all there is to know about your favorite automobile brand, why not test your knowledge against other fans across the country? Then, if you can beat out the best of the best, you can travel back in time, with Mercedes-Benz as your guide. The lucky winner will have the chance to visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, where they can experience for themselves the magic of years gone by and the fascination of future wrapped by.
For the automobile fanatic, this is a dream opportunity & definitely not one to be passed up so easily. So, if you think you have what it takes, just head on over to your nearest Mercedes-Benz India dealership or connect with us on our official Facebook page. Answer all the questions correctly & you will be in the running for the adventure of a lifetime.
125 years down the line & we're still just as committed to bringing you the latest & best in innovative automobile technology. And, with your continued support & friendship, we promise to bring you 125 more!
