Karl Benz
A German engine designer and automobile engineer, generally regarded as the inventor of the gasoline-powered automobile.
Most quoted
"I had to create the world from scratch. I had to create the engine, the chassis, the steering, the brakes, the clutch, the transmission, the radiator, the fuel tank, the carburetor, the ignition, the spark plugs, the tires, the body, the seats, the lights, the horn, the speedometer, the odometer, the fuel gauge, the oil gauge, the water temperature gauge, the battery, the generator, the starter, the the the..."
— from Interview, 1886
"I have often been asked why I did not patent the automobile. My answer is simple: I did not invent the wheel, nor the engine, nor the chassis. I merely put them together in a way that had not been done before. To patent the whole would be like patenting a sandwich."
— from Attributed
"The greatest challenge was not building the car, but convincing people they needed one. They were perfectly content with their horses, bless their dusty souls."
— from Attributed
All quotes by Karl Benz (401)
The automobile is a bridge to the future.
I was a man of my time, but I looked to the future.
The greatest inventions are born out of necessity and imagination.
The world is a better place because of the automobile.
My work was a labor of love.
The automobile will be a success, I am convinced of it. It is only a matter of time.
I have often been called a dreamer, but I believe in my dream.
The greatest joy for me is to see my invention in motion.
Without Bertha, I would not have achieved what I have. She is my rock.
The road ahead is long and difficult, but we must not give up.
My greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that my work will benefit mankind.
The engine is the heart of the automobile, and it must be perfect.
Every failure is a step closer to success.
The world is ready for a new mode of transportation.
I am not driven by money, but by the desire to create something new.
The Patent-Motorwagen is more than just a machine; it is a symbol of progress.
Bertha's journey was a testament to the reliability of my invention.
The future belongs to those who dare to dream.
I have poured my heart and soul into this work.
The challenges are immense, but so is the potential reward.
Contemporaries of Karl Benz
Other Engineerings born within 50 years of Karl Benz (1844–1929).