Benz Patent Motorwagen

The Benz Patent-Motorwagen (or motorcar), built in 1886, is widely regarded as the first automobile, that is, a vehicle designed to be propelled by a motor. It is important to note, however, that the first automobile fatality on record occurred in 1869, during the preceding era of steam-powered cars.

The vehicle was awarded the German patent, number 37435, which Karl Benz applied for on January 29, 1886. Following official procedures, the date of the application became the patent date for the invention once the patent was granted, which occurred in November of that year.

Although Benz's wife, Bertha financed the developing process, and would hold patent-rights under modern law, as a married woman she wasn't allowed to apply for the patent.

Benz officially unveiled his invention to the public on July 3, 1886 on the Ringstrasse (Ringstraße) in Mannheim, Germany.