Karl Benz, a pioneering engineer and inventor, in the industrial city of Mannheim, Germany, filed for a patent regarding his groundbreaking two-stroke gas engine, which he considered more reliable than predecessors. At this time, the automotive industry was in its infancy, and many engineers were experimenting with various designs to create engines that could power vehicles. Benz's two-stroke engine was particularly distinguished by its mechanical simplicity and reliability, paving the way toward the development of modern internal combustion engines. His design included a novel method of utilizing gas to create power and a practical approach to engine manufacturing, both of which were much needed as the demand for motorized transportation began to emerge in Europe and the United States.

During the late 1870s, the transportation landscape was primarily dominated by horse-drawn carriages, and there was a significant push towards mechanization. However, many attempts at creating a reliable engine had failed due to issues such as fuel efficiency, maintenance, and ease of use. Benz's patent filing would be a significant turning point not only for the automotive industry but also for the upcoming automobile revolution. His work led directly to the formation of the Benz & Cie. Rheinische Gasmotorenfabrik, the company he founded, which became one of the most significant manufacturers of cars in the world.

The patent for the two-stroke gas engine was not just about the engine itself but symbolized the burgeoning potential of powered transportation, which would soon take the world by storm. Benz continued to develop and refine his designs, resulting in the eventual production of the Benz Patent Motorwagen, recognized as the first true automobile. The 1879 patent reflects the beginning of automobile engineering that set the course for innovations that would change personal transportation forever.