New Mercedes Video Recreates Motorwagen’s Historic First Ride
‘First Driver’ follows the successful launch of M-B’s groundbreaking motorcar, which was driven by Bertha Benz.
They say that behind every great man, is a great woman. In the case of Bertha Benz, wife of Karl Benz, she proved that she was not only great, but also a pioneer and risk-taker that helped carve out an important piece of automotive history with her determination and gusto. This short film by Mercedes-Benz entitled “The First Driver” reenacts the first successful ride of the Patent Motorwagen, Benz’s ground-breaking motorcar, which was driven by Bertha.
Carl Benz had created the Motorwagen in 1886. The motorcar was a three-wheeled carriage that boasted the first of its kind small single-cylinder engine. After many adjustments, and a few unsuccessful launches, it remained sitting in the Benz’s garage. But Martha believed in her husband, and in his vision, and so in 1888 Martha decided it was time to put the Motorwagen to the test. Without telling her husband, she took the Motorwagen out of the barn and on the road for its successful inaugural ride.
Martha drove it along the road, much to the shock of onlookers. The video captures her adventurous spirit, fervent and captivated by the motorcar, she drives forward, wind in her hair.
On this ride, the Motorwagen broke down due to an issue with a clogged valve and failed ignition. Martha was undeterred, and after investigating the engine, she uses a little ingenuity (and a ribbon from her garter) to tie up the smoking valve. She continues on her way. It marked a huge turning point for the automotive industry, as the video says, “She drove more than a car, she drove an industry.”
Martha made history by being first person to drive an automobile long-distance. Taking the Patent Motor Car about 111 miles from Mannheim to Pforzheim in Germany.
It’s a powerful video, and shows that for Martha Benz, a woman’s place was behind the wheel.
Join the MB World forums now!
