Bertha Benz: The Automotive Pioneer
The Woman Behind the Wheel of the Automotive Revolution
In the history of the automobile, the name Karl Benz is inseparably linked with the invention of the first petrol-powered car. However, behind his groundbreaking innovation stood an unsung heroine: his wife, Bertha Benz. She was more than just the spouse of an inventor: she was a pioneer, engineer, and visionary who shaped the future of mobility with courage, pragmatism, and inventiveness.
The Journey That Changed Everything
In August 1888, Bertha Benz embarked on one of the most significant journeys in automotive history without her husband's knowledge. She drove with her two sons from Mannheim to Pforzheim in a Benz Patent Motor Car No. 3. The 106-kilometre route presented numerous technical challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was the fuel supply along the way — which led her to purchase the substance ligroin at a pharmacy in Wiesloch. Along the way, she performed several repairs, including clearing clogged fuel lines and insulating an ignition wire using her stocking, thereby demonstrating her technical expertise and inventiveness.
The World's First Petrol Station
The unassuming Town Pharmacy in Wiesloch (near Heidelberg), where Bertha Benz refuelled in 1888, is today considered the world's first petrol station. As there was no organised petrol distribution at the time, the only option was the pharmacy: the liquid ligroin was sold in the 19th century as a solvent and cleaning petrol, and it was here that Bertha obtained the necessary fuel for her motorcar. Her stop in Wiesloch thus went down in history – from necessity arose the idea of the petrol station. The pharmacy in Wiesloch proudly carries this title. A commemorative plaque on site still reminds visitors today of Bertha Benz's spontaneous "fuel stop" in 1888.
Bertha's Lasting Influence
Upon her return, Bertha made detailed notes that led to crucial improvements to the motorcar:
- Additional gears for inclines.
- An improved braking system.
- A larger tank for longer journeys.
Yet Bertha Benz’s impact reached far beyond technical improvements. By taking the car on the road, she transformed it from a mechanical novelty into a practical means of transport. Her journey captured public attention, and newspapers eagerly covered the story. As a result, demand for the Benz Patent Motor Car soared—not just because it functioned, but because Bertha had proven its reliability for everyday travel.