Pioneering Wheels: From Bertha Benz to James Bond's Submarine Car

Buckle up for a thrilling ride through automotive history's most fascinating turning points! From daring pioneers to corporate chess moves, our latest episode uncovers the moments that revolutionized how we move through the world.

We kick things off with the remarkable story of Bertha Benz, who in 1888 essentially "borrowed" her husband's invention without permission and embarked on a 66-mile journey that would change transportation forever. Imagine purchasing fuel from a pharmacy, making roadside repairs yourself, and proving to a skeptical world that automobiles weren't just novelties but practical machines with real potential. This audacious act by Bertha stands as perhaps the world's first automotive marketing campaign—and it worked brilliantly.

The episode accelerates through Henry Ford's initial stumbles with his first automotive venture, which produced fewer than 20 vehicles before closing. We explore how Harvey Firestone's tire company became fundamental to America's automotive expansion despite later controversies, and examine how quickly car manufacturers pivoted to military production during World War I. Walter Chrysler's strategic introduction of the DeSoto brand reveals the competitive positioning that defined the industry, while De Tomaso's rescue of Maserati demonstrates the passion driving automotive preservation. We wrap up with popular culture's love affair with cars, featuring James Bond's unforgettable submarine-transforming Lotus Esprit.

Throughout human history, automobiles have represented more than transportation—they embody freedom, innovation, and the relentless human drive to push boundaries. Join us every Saturday morning from 8-11am Central for our live show on Facebook, YouTube, Twitch and InWheelTime.com, or catch our podcasts on all major streaming platforms. Have a favorite automotive history moment? Share it with us and become part of our ongoing exploration of wheels, roads, and the people who changed how we travel.

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• 0:00 Welcome to In Wheel Time