S7E14 – Behind the Wheel of History: Driving the 1886 Benz Patent Motor Car
About this episode
Explore the rich history and innovation of Mercedes-Benz, from Karl Benz's 1886 patent for the first motor car to the company's pioneering safety and technology advancements like airbags and stability control. Discover the extensive archives and secret collections preserving over 1,300 vehicles, and hear the inspiring story of Bertha Benz's historic long-distance drive. The episode also touches on the restoration process, the emotional value of classic cars, and the brand's commitment to quality and engineering heritage.
Recorded at Moda Miami 2026, this episode captures a once-in-a-lifetime moment: driving the 1886 Benz Patent Motor Car, widely regarded as the first automobile ever built. I’m joined by Marcus Breitschwerdt, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Heritage, for an in-depth conversation on how Mercedes-Benz safeguards its origins and keeps automotive history alive for future generations.
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internal combustion engine
"Most people get it confused but Mercedes-Benz has the original patent for the internal combustion engine car that is a replica here at least, right?"
An internal combustion engine is the part of a car that burns fuel inside itself to make the car go. It's the kind of engine most cars have had for a long time.
An internal combustion engine is a type of engine where fuel combustion occurs inside the engine itself, producing power to move the vehicle. It is the most common engine type in cars before the rise of electric vehicles.
first motor car
"Well, it's absolutely right. 140 years ago in 1886 Karl Benz filed the patent for the first motor car in the world, which is the birth certificate of the car. And the same year it was further developed to a four-wheel car"
The first motor car is the very first car ever made that runs on an engine instead of horses. It was invented by Karl Benz a long time ago.
The first motor car refers to the earliest automobile powered by an internal combustion engine, patented by Karl Benz in 1886. This invention marks the beginning of modern automotive history.
airbag
"Absolutely, and it's not all the first car. We invented and patented the crumpling sound. We invented the airbag and had it first also in the market."
An airbag is a big balloon inside the car that blows up fast if you crash to keep you safe.
An airbag is a safety device in vehicles that inflates rapidly during a collision to protect occupants from impact injuries.
ESP
"The so-called traction control system, ASR, the ABS, anti-blocking system, also the ESP, the electronic stability program, all the sensors you need today for assistance programs in the car, and so on and so on."
ESP is a system that helps keep your car from sliding or spinning out when you turn or swerve quickly.
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) helps maintain vehicle control by detecting and reducing loss of traction during cornering or sudden maneuvers.
ABS
"The so-called traction control system, ASR, the ABS, anti-blocking system, also the ESP, the electronic stability program, all the sensors you need today for assistance programs in the car, and so on and so on."
ABS is a safety feature that stops your car's wheels from freezing when you brake hard, so you can still steer.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
traction control system
"The so-called traction control system, ASR, the ABS, anti-blocking system, also the ESP, the electronic stability program, all the sensors you need today for assistance programs in the car, and so on and so on."
Traction control stops your car's wheels from spinning too much when you press the gas, so you don't slip.
Traction control system (TCS) helps prevent wheel spin during acceleration by adjusting engine power or applying brakes to individual wheels, improving vehicle stability.
ASR
"The so-called traction control system, ASR, the ABS, anti-blocking system, also the ESP, the electronic stability program, all the sensors you need today for assistance programs in the car, and so on and so on."
ASR is a system that helps stop your car's wheels from spinning when you speed up, so you stay safe.
ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) is another term for traction control, a system that prevents wheel spin during acceleration to maintain grip.
motorsport
"Then you have the motorsport section of it, which is amazing, I mean like that display which is almost on the wall like in a parabolic turn on the famous racetrack and everything, all the history and all that, Formula One, Manuel Fangu and all those things."
Motorsport means racing cars and other vehicles in competitions. It includes famous races and helps car companies show off their technology.
Motorsport refers to competitive sporting events involving motorized vehicles, including car racing series like Formula One. It encompasses various disciplines and is a significant part of automotive history and culture.
Formula One
"Then you have the motorsport section of it, which is amazing, I mean like that display which is almost on the wall like in a parabolic turn on the famous racetrack and everything, all the history and all that, Formula One, Manuel Fangu and all those things."
Formula One is a type of car racing with very fast and special cars that race on tracks all over the world. It's like the top level of car racing.
Formula One is the highest class of international single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the FIA. It features the fastest and most technologically advanced cars competing on circuits worldwide.
AMG
"The AMG engineers signed each individual engine, that's really, really cool and important."
AMG is a special part of Mercedes that makes their cars faster and more exciting. The people who build the engines even sign their work to show pride in what they do.
AMG is the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz, responsible for tuning engines and creating sportier, more powerful versions of Mercedes vehicles. AMG engines are often hand-built and signed by the engineers.
barn find
"Let's say I have one in my garage and I said oh my uncle, my grandfather, the barn found and all those kind of things, those stories that you hear all the time, what will be the process if someone wants to like okay let's make this car back to original?"
A barn find is an old car that someone finds after it has been left alone for a long time, usually in a barn or garage. These cars can be special because they are old and sometimes need fixing to look like new again.
A barn find refers to a classic or vintage car that has been discovered after being stored and forgotten for many years, often in a barn or similar location. These cars can be valuable and sought after by collectors, sometimes requiring restoration to return them to original condition.
car restoration
"And that's the other secret of the success of your division that you guys have every document for every single part. So when you restore a car and that goes back to my question, when you restore it properly it actually acquires more value because it was made from the original plans."
Car restoration means fixing up an old car to make it look and work like new again. If you use the original parts and follow the original designs, the car can be worth more money.
Car restoration is the process of repairing and refurbishing a vehicle to return it to its original condition. Using original plans and parts during restoration can increase the car's value and authenticity.
corporate archive
"We are in the unique position to also be responsible for our corporate archive. And the archive from the very beginning, from the patent file of Carl Benz, we have filed everything which is important."
A corporate archive is like a big storage of old important papers and designs that a company keeps safe. Mercedes-Benz keeps all their old car plans and patents so they can fix or restore old cars the right way.
A corporate archive is a collection of important historical documents, designs, and records maintained by a company. For Mercedes-Benz, this archive includes original patents and plans dating back to the company's founder, Carl Benz, which helps in authentic restorations.
data card
"We have for each car ever produced a so-called data card which documents the whole important information about all the equipment the car had at the point of delivery. So we have that. For your individual car, we have the document which says what color, what engine, what kind of options we document that."
A data card is like a report card for a car that shows exactly how it was made and what features it had when it was new. It helps owners know what their car originally came with.
A data card is a detailed document that records all the important information about a specific car at the time of its delivery, including color, engine type, and options. It serves as an official record of the car's original specifications.
parts business
"...we are also responsible for the worldwide parts business. So 15 years after the end of production, we take over the parts business and we make sure that as much as possible we can provide owners, customers worldwide with original parts. And if they are not available anymore, then we start a process to make sure at one point that we reproduce it as an original part and nobody should be forced to buy, let's say, a fake part."
The parts business means the company keeps making and selling real parts for their cars even after they stop making the cars. This helps people fix their cars with the right pieces, not cheap copies.
The parts business refers to the management and supply of original replacement parts for cars, often continuing for many years after production ends. This ensures owners can maintain their vehicles with authentic components rather than aftermarket or counterfeit parts.
original parts
"...we make sure that as much as possible we can provide owners, customers worldwide with original parts. And if they are not available anymore, then we start a process to make sure at one point that we reproduce it as an original part and nobody should be forced to buy, let's say, a fake part."
Original parts are the real parts made by the car company for your car. They fit better and keep your car safe and working well compared to fake or copied parts.
Original parts are components made or authorized by the car manufacturer, designed specifically for a particular model. Using original parts helps maintain the car's safety, quality, and value.
fake part
"...nobody should be forced to buy, let's say, a fake part. Well, parts which are not authorized by us and which might compromise your safety and the quality of the car."
A fake part is a copy or knockoff part that is not made by the car company. It might not work well and could make your car unsafe.
A fake part is an unauthorized or counterfeit component not made or approved by the original car manufacturer. These parts may compromise the safety and quality of the vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz Sclass
"And I always say, back to a story, in 2010 I went to the Woodwood Festival of Speed and we went to that track that is near London where you have a big operation. We were there from the unveiling of the CLS, that coupe S-Class, but the coupe version of it, which I don't think is longer available. So that was on Friday night, Saturday morning I opened my windows in the hotel and I see in the parking lot like 15 cars all covered with black Mercedes-Benz tarp and silver arrows."
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a very fancy and comfortable car that is often used by important people. It has lots of new features and is known for being smooth and quiet to drive.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a flagship luxury sedan known for its advanced technology, comfort, and performance. It often debuts Mercedes' latest innovations and sets the standard for luxury cars worldwide, making it a significant model in automotive history.
Mercedes-Benz CLS
"...eration. We were there from the unveiling of the CLS, that coupe S-Class, but the coupe version of it,..."
The Mercedes-Benz CLS looks like a sporty car but still has four doors so more people can ride inside. It’s a fancy car that mixes style and comfort.
The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a stylish four-door coupe that blends the elegance of a coupe with the practicality of a sedan. It was introduced as a sportier, more design-focused alternative to the traditional S-Class sedan, appealing to buyers wanting luxury with a distinctive look.
Silver Arrows
"I see in the parking lot like 15 cars all covered with black Mercedes-Benz tarp and silver arrows."
Silver Arrows are famous racing cars made by Mercedes-Benz a long time ago. They were very fast and won many races.
The Silver Arrows is a nickname for the dominant Mercedes-Benz racing cars from the 1930s and later periods, known for their sleek silver bodies and racing success. The term symbolizes Mercedes-Benz's rich motorsport heritage.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
"And they started taking them off at 1953, 1934 and they have a 300 SL Goldwin, which I drove from there all the way to Goodwin."
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is an old, very special sports car that has doors that open up like wings. It’s very valuable and important in car history.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is a classic sports car produced in the 1950s, famous for its distinctive gullwing doors and advanced engineering for its time. It is highly prized by collectors and considered a symbol of automotive innovation and style.
Mercedes-Benz Fintail
"You have a black series of Mercedes-Benz, you have here the Fintail rally car, which was driven by Effie Rosquist..."
The Fintail is an older Mercedes car with small fins on the back. Some of these cars were used in car races called rallies.
The Mercedes-Benz Fintail refers to a series of Mercedes sedans produced in the late 1950s and early 1960s, named for their distinctive tailfin styling. Some versions were adapted for rally racing, showcasing the model's versatility.
Mercedes-Benz Black Series
"You have a black series of Mercedes-Benz, you have here the Fintail rally car, which was driven by Effie Rosquist..."
Black Series cars are special, very fast versions of Mercedes-Benz cars made for people who love racing and speed.
The Mercedes-Benz Black Series refers to high-performance, limited-edition versions of Mercedes-AMG models, featuring enhanced power, reduced weight, and track-focused upgrades. These cars are designed for enthusiasts seeking extreme performance.
rally car
"You have here the Fintail rally car, which was driven by Effie Rosquist, the first female victory winner of the Argentina rally."
A rally car is a car made to race on different kinds of roads, like dirt or gravel. They are built strong and fast to handle tough driving.
A rally car is a specially prepared vehicle designed to compete in rally racing, which involves driving on various surfaces and challenging terrain. Rally cars often have reinforced suspensions, safety features, and performance upgrades.
DTM
"One of the hardest roads in the world, you have an Evo II 201 DTM race car, which has won the DTM trophy."
DTM is a famous car racing series in Germany where special race cars compete on race tracks.
DTM stands for Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, a popular German touring car racing championship featuring highly modified production cars competing on circuits.
Bertha Benz story
"Like Bertha Benz, right? Like Bertha Benz. Can you tell in 30 seconds a little bit of that story, Bertha Benz story when she took the car?"
Bertha Benz was the first person to take a long trip in a car, showing that cars could really be used for travel. She helped prove that cars were useful and reliable.
Bertha Benz was the wife of Karl Benz, the inventor of the first practical automobile. She famously undertook the first long-distance car trip in 1888 to demonstrate the reliability and practicality of her husband's invention.
gas station
"And she had to buy fuel at a pharmacy or something like that? And because gas stations were not around, the first gas station was a pharmacy."
A gas station is a place where you fill your car with fuel. Before gas stations were common, people had to buy fuel from places like pharmacies.
A gas station is a facility where fuel is sold for motor vehicles. Early on, before dedicated gas stations existed, fuel was sometimes purchased at pharmacies or other general stores.
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