1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen

1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen

     It's important to note that Benz didn't create this "first" automobile from scratch. What he did do was combine three crucial elements—an engine with adequate power, a lightweight chassis, and petroleum-based fuel system in such a way that a patent could be issued and systematic development carried out.
     A significant number of inventions that were pre-existing when Benz built the Patentwagen. Rubber tires, wire wheels, ball bearings, roller chain, rack-and-pinion steering, differential drive gearing, lightweight steel frames were around.  Fully engineered and commercially available two-seat velocipedes, in small quantities, were in existence in the 1880s.
     Benz's engine wasn't as powerful or as fast-running as others of the time, but it incorporated several prophetic details: mechanical intake and exhaust valve action, a float-controlled and exhaust-heated carburetor, and, in my opinion most notable, an ignition system comprising a spark plug, a battery, a coil, and breaker points.
     This ¾ HP vehicle has only 1 gear speed and no reverse.  Its 10 MPH max could scarcely pass a horse.  Its carburetor has no throttle so slowing down could only be achieved by "slipping the belt". The cooling system is about a gallon of water in a pot suspended above the cylinder and it simply boils off requiring replenishment every mile or so.