When we picture the early days of automobiles, we often imagine male inventors in oil-stained overalls. But the person who truly put the automobile to the test wasn’t Karl Benz — it was his wife, Bertha Benz, a daring German woman who not only drove the first car but also changed the course of transportation history.
Long before women were commonly seen behind the wheel, Bertha took a bold step that would solidify her place as the world’s first true driver. In August 1888, Bertha undertook the first long-distance trip in a car powered by an internal combustion engine. Her 106-kilometre journey from Mannheim to Pforzheim proved that the automobile wasn’t just a mechanical experiment — it was the future.
Kickstarting a Revolution Without Telling Her Husband
Born on May 3, 1849, in Pforzheim, Germany, Bertha Benz married Karl Benz in 1872 and played a crucial role in his engineering achievements. Her financial and emotional support helped Karl develop the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, which became the world’s first practical automobile after its 1886 patent.
But the car didn’t receive immediate public support. That’s when Bertha made her historic move — without informing Karl, she took their invention on a cross-country ride, accompanied only by her sons Eugen and Richard.
Inventing the Road Trip (and Roadside Repairs)
Bertha’s impromptu journey wasn’t just a scenic ride. She overcame several challenges that showcased both her ingenuity and the car’s potential. When fuel ran low, she bought ligroin, a petroleum-based solvent, from a pharmacy in Wiesloch — now regarded as the world’s first filling station. When the car suffered mechanical issues, she cleared a clogged fuel line with a hatpin and adjusted the ignition using a hairpin.
And when the wooden brakes wore out? Bertha visited a local cobbler who installed leather, effectively inventing the concept of brake linings.
Proving the Automobile’s Practicality
Bertha’s bold trip wasn’t just about reaching her hometown. It was a demonstration — a calculated effort to convince the public and investors of the Motorwagen’s reliability. Her journey showed the need for support infrastructure, such as fuel stations and repair services, and proved the car could work in real-world conditions.
After returning, Bertha provided Karl with critical feedback that helped him improve the vehicle’s design, from better gearing to enhanced fuel systems.
Legacy Carved Into History
To honour her groundbreaking journey, the Bertha Benz Memorial Route was inaugurated in 2008. This scenic tourist path traces the exact trail she blazed through Germany, marking one of the most significant early routes in automotive history.
Bertha Benz passed away on May 5, 1944, but her legacy lives on. Her fearless drive is now recognized as a defining moment in the evolution of modern transportation — not just a journey, but a revolution on wheels.
Her actions remain a timeless reminder of how courage, intelligence, and a refusal to wait for permission can change the world.
