Richard Benz

Richard was born the second son of Carl Benz and, like his brother Eugen, was involved in his mother Bertha's legendary drive from Mannheim to Pforzheim in August 1888. In addition to practical and technical knowledge, he acquired the art of driving with the help of his father. After military service, he completed a technical degree and was subsequently involved in his father's experiments under his supervision.

Together with him, he left Benz & Cie. In 1903, he rejoined a year later as head of passenger car construction and stayed until 1908. He then presided over the Ladenburg-based company Carl Benz Söhne together with his brother Eugen. His achievements in motor racing included a victory in the Berlin - Leipzig race in 1899 (together with Fritz Held) and class wins in the long-distance Mannheim - Pforzheim - Mannheim race in May 1900 and the Heidelberg - Königstuhl hill climb in 1906.