Karl Benz of Mannheim built his first motor car in 1885-86.

Three-wheelers of similar design followed, but proved more popular in France than Germany. The 1893 "Viktoria" had a 2000cc water-cooled single-cylinder engine, but there were also 1730cc and even 2900cc versions. Another model, built until 1902, was the 3 hp "Comfortable" with a 1045cc single-cylinder engine:1902 saw the introduction of the "Parsifal" with 10,12 and 14 hp two-cylinder and 20 and 30 hp four-cylinder engines. It was this design which created much trouble in the factory, because both Benz and Marius Barbarou claimed responsibility: Benz resigned in a huff Barbarou became chief designer; followed in this capacity by Fritz Erle and Hans Nibel. Many superb cars, from 1950cc to a big 10;080cc developing 105 bhp (at 1400 rpm!); left the Mannheim factory, which after the war built a sporting ohc 1570cc car, the popular 6/18. Less sporting was the sv 2080cc 8/20 hp.

In 1923 a sv 2860cc six-cylinder appeared and also a sporting 4130cc six cylinder, built until 1926, when Benz merged with Daimler (Mercedes). There was also a 7025cc six-cylinder. Benz also built many racing cars, including in 1909 the 200hp "Blitzen"-Benz and in 1922-24 the rear-engined, Edmund Rumpler-designed, 1980cc Benz "Teardrop" racing car.

see: Mercedes-Benz

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