Bertha Benz

Bertha Benz, born Bertha Ringer (born May 3, 1849 in Pforzheim, died May 5, 1944 in Ladenburg), was the first person who drove a car over a longer distance.

Related Topics:
Pforzheim - Ladenburg

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Since July, 20 1872 wife of Carl Benz, she was the first person to drive an automobile over more than a very short distance. Whithout permission of her husband she drove with her 14 and 15 year old sons Richard and Eugen the newly constructed automobile August 5, 1888 from Mannheim to Pforzheim over a distance of 106 km. Other drives before were short and just trials with other persons helping.

Related Topics:
Carl Benz - Automobile - August 5 - 1888 - Mannheim - Pforzheim

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Underway she solved numerous problems, such as the fact that petrol (or similar) was only available at chemists' shops - sometimes. A blacksmith had to help with the chain at one point. Mrs Benz used a long, straight hairpin to clean the fuel pipe, which had become blocked.

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She left Mannheim around dawn and reached Pforzheim somewhat after dusk. She also drove back to Mannheim the next day.

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Along the way several people were frightened by the 'horseless carriage'. The drive was helpful for Carl Benz, her husband, as he was able to introduce several improvements after hearing everything that had happened along the way.

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