Karl Benz, an engineer from Mannheim, Germany, revolutionized transportation with his invention of the world's first practical gasoline-powered automobile, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, which was patented in 1886. This vehicle was not merely an experimental automobile; it was the first to be produced in a series and sold to the public, marking a significant milestone in automotive engineering. The motorwagen featured a lightweight frame and a single-cylinder four-stroke engine that generated a modest 0.75 horsepower, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 16 kilometers per hour. Its design included innovative features such as an electric ignition, water-cooled engine, and differential gears, which showcased Benz’s engineering prowess and vision for motorized transport.

The journey to this groundbreaking invention began with Benz's earlier attempts to create a reliable gasoline engine and marry it to a carriage. Despite facing skepticism and financial difficulties, he persevered, showcasing prototypes to the public that garnered interest. In 1888, the first long-distance journey using the Motorwagen was undertaken by his wife, Bertha Benz, who traveled from Mannheim to Pforzheim without informing Karl, effectively advertising the vehicle’s reliability and paving the way for future automobile development.

Benz's Patent-Motorwagen not only initiated the automotive revolution but also set a precedent for engineering practices and design standards in the automotive industry. His patented designs established a foundation for vehicle manufacturing, which expanded rapidly throughout Europe and North America. As a visionary, Karl Benz's contributions profoundly influenced transportation, ultimately changing the way people moved across distances on a global scale.