Basil Smith (British, B. 1925). "1913 Mercedes Automobile" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media painting on Hot Press Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. A European car manufacturer world-renowned for the exquisite styling and performance of its products is the legendary Mercedes-Benz. The establishment which today enjoys the highest popularity and appeal with car owners began with two men tinkering with an engine which would never be practical. Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler were working independently on gas-powered engines ... until August Otto developed the four-stroke principle for gasoline engines which finally made them reasonable. Emil Jellinek, a wealthy admirer of Daimler automobiles and one of Daimler's directors, convinced the company to build a high-performance car. The new car was named after Jellinek's daughter, Mercedes, and it first appeared in the Nice Time Trials of 1901 ... and took everyone by surprise. The overwhelming success of the Mercedes encouraged Daimler to adopt the name for the company's private cars. Nine years later, in 1911, Mercedes received official registration for its famous three-pointed star as a trademark -- and has employed it ever since. Ferdinand Porche became chief designer for Mercedes in 1923 ... and in 1926, Karl Benz amalgamated his company with Daimler's, forming Mercedes-Benz. The first cars to be produced under the new name with the tutelage of three great automobile men -- were a great success. An early Mercedes model became the sports model K. From this model, a very successful range of cars were developed. Image Size: 6 x 7 in. Overall Size: 9 x 10 in. Unframed. (B07818)