The Hidden History of Siegfried Marcus: A Jewish Inventor and the Early Days of the Car Industry

Siegfried Marcus, a Jewish inventor born in 1833, is often overlooked in discussions about the history of the car industry. Despite this, Marcus made significant contributions to the industry before his death in 1898.

Marcus began working as an apprentice mechanic at the age of 12 and later moved to Vienna, Austria, where he started his own business manufacturing electrical and mechanical equipment. Over time, he went on to own 131 patents in 16 countries.

Around 1860, Marcus began building the first self-propelled vehicle and experimenting with gasoline engines. He invented the world’s first carburetor in 1864 and built his first vehicle in 1875 with a 4-stroke gasoline engine that could reach speeds of up to 16 km/h. Later versions of his vehicles included steering mechanisms, brakes, and clutches.

Despite his significant contributions to the car industry, Marcus became a victim of Nazi propaganda after his death in 1898. His inventions were destroyed, his name erased from educational books, and public memorials to him dismantled. However, some of his work remains preserved today at the Vienna Technical Museum.

In conclusion, Siegfried Marcus is often overlooked in discussions about the history of the car industry despite making significant contributions before his death. His inventions paved the way for modern cars and should be recognized as such.