On this very day, 29 January, 140 years ago the story of the modern motor car began. Karl Benz filed a patent for his Motorwagen in 1886, forever changing the world. Benz’s patent, followed by Gottlieb Daimler’s motorised carriage, or Motorkutsche, set the wheels in motion for one of the most significant inventions of humankind, the modern motor car.
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As the inventor of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz holds a truly unique position in automotive history – a legacy established 140 years ago with the development of the world’s first automobile. Today, that same pioneering spirit drives us to unite engineering leadership, human-centric design and seamless technology to create the world’s most desirable cars. Currently underway, the biggest launch programme in the history of Mercedes-Benz is proof of this enduring commitment
– Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG
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From the Beginning
The history of the modern motor car can be traced directly with the history of Mercedes-Benz. No other brand has a legacy a long as that of the Three-Pointed Star. There were others in the later 1800s working on horseless carriages, but Herr Benz was the first to formalise his invention.
As a result, Mercedes-Benz has a history that no other automotive brand can boast. Even if they were rivals there at the very start, the German automaker has outlasted them all. The Mercedes star logo encircled by a laurel wreath is recognised worldwide. It is synonymous with quality and durability.
Long-Standing Reputation
Mercedes’ longevity has, in large part, this has been driven by constant innovation and development. The brand pioneered luxury motoring as far back as the start of the 20th century, creating saloon cars that were the envy of other brands. The 600 Grosser (W100) is still lauded today for its luxury and groundbreaking systems.
Many will point to the ubiquitous W123 as the quintessential Mercedes. Incidentally, this model celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The 190E, or Baby Benz (W201) help bring the brand’s qualities to a whole new audience. That legacy of compact cars lives on in the likes of the A- and CLA models today.
Objects of Desire
Luxury aside, Mercedes-Benz has a proud legacy in motorsport. From early Grand Prix racing, famous road races, Le Mans, world rally, DTM and, the pinnacle of the sport, Formula 1, the marque has succeeded across the board. As a result the brand has also produced some truly iconic and desirable performance cars over the decades.
Among these are the 300SL Gullwing, which we consider the most beautiful car ever made. The even more rare Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, which is the most valuable automobile in the world. There are also more modern machines such as the SLS, many Black Series derivatives not to forget the F1-powered AMG One.
Forging Ahead
The brand is now forging a new path as the motoring world stands at a cross roads between continued private mobility and sustainability. Mercedes and its various subsidiaries have been developing new drive systems, perfecting electronic HMI systems and working on autonomous driving.
The path to the future of motoring remains slighty clouded, but if there is one thing that is certain, it’s that Mercedes-Benz will be a part of it. Happy Birthday Mercedes-Benz.
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