First Long-Distance Automobile Journey
1888
Bertha Benz, without Carl's knowledge, drove the Benz Patent-Motorwagen from Mannheim to Pforzheim, a distance of approximately 106 km. This was the first long-distance automobile journey, and it proved the practicality and reliability of the automobile to the public. She also solved mechanical issues along the way, like using a hat pin to unclog a fuel line, showcasing the practicality of the invention.