Gottlieb Daimler

Who is Gottlieb Daimler, and why is this postage stamp commemorating him?

Gottlieb Daimler is a German engineer, known as the “pioneer of the modern internal combustion engine” transforming the automotive industry.

“Daimler’s and Maybach’s dream was to create small high speed engines to be mounted in any kind of locomotion device.” (Famous Scientists)

While some dreams may be difficult to attain or hindered for various circumstances, Daimler and Maybach were able to make their dream a reality, and forever changing transportation for humanity. Their efforts in developing engines began in 1882, with both of them working till they “[successfully created] high-speed internal-combustion engines”. This enabled Daimler and Maybach to try their invention on a motorcycle, a horse carriage and a boat. Despite the fact that the aforementioned invention had improved the already existing transportation vehicles, it was not until 1889 that Daimler and Maybach designed the “four-wheeled vehicle”.

However, Daimler and Maybach were not the only two in Germany striving to achieve their dream in creating a vehicle run by a small high speed engine; Carl Benz was also working to develop a motor car. While each worked separately and at times clashing regarding the patents of their inventions, both the companies of Daimler and Benz eventually merged in 1926; the merger created the Daimler-Benz AG company. The merger was signified through the logo of the automobiles produced, which combined both the “Mercedes star of Daimler with the laurel wreath of Benz”.

Further readings:

The Complete Mercedes Story: The thrilling seventy-year history of Daimler.