The Invention of the Automobile - (Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler)

Book excerpt: “ ... My excuse for writing this book is a desire to ventilate certain facts in relation to the early work of Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler of which the public is largely ignorant. Among those who have taken the trouble to investigate the early days of the motor movement, there is a certain amount of controversy as to who invented the motor vehicle, although this question has not, at the moment, extended to the general public. Inevitably it will do so, if the prevailing interest increases, in which event, it is hoped that this book will prove useful, for all the dates and facts, etc., have been fully authenticated. There are, however, several to whom I must express my sincere gratitude for the assistance they have given me. Herr Rudolf Caracciola, the winner, during the 1935 season of motor racing, of the Grand Prix of France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, and Tripoli, to say nothing of other triumphs, and therefore the Champion of Europe, has most kindly written a preface after reading through the manuscript. The Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft of Germany has been indefatigable in providing me with material in regard to certain facts connected with the early experiments of both Benz and Daimler. Mr. Frederick R. Simms, too, has spared no effort to help me with some of the inner details of Daimler’s engineering career.” ( ST. John C. Nixon - September, 1936)