Karl Benz builds the Benz Patent-Motorwagen in Mannheim

Background. Karl Benz opened a workshop in Mannheim in 1871 and patented engines from 1878, background that preceded his work on a motor vehicle. In 1883, three founders established Benz & Companie Rheinische Gasmotoren-Fabrik, usually referred to as Benz & Cie, a company producing industrial machines. Benz began work on his vehicle in 1884, developing a three-wheeled design with a single-cylinder four-stroke engine and belt-drive.

Construction. The original Patent-Motorwagen was developed between 1884 and 1887. Benz's prototype, identified as Motorwagen Nr. 1, moved under its own power in spring 1885. By the end of 1885, Benz was confident enough to prepare a patent application. Work began on a new body with wooden wheels around late 1885 or early 1886, while testing continued on the initial prototype.

Recognition. By the end of 1885 Benz was sufficiently confident in the vehicle to prepare a patent application. The vehicle would later become known as the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, the name it acquired in connection with the patent, and the first cars produced by Benz & Cie between 1885 and 1893 are referred to by that name today.