The Mercedes, in terms of genealogical line, is the oldest car in automotive history. It stems directly from the first practical car made, the original Daimler of 1886. When Gottfried Daimler died in 1900, there were rumors of the collapse of the company. It was believed that without the great engineering genius at the helm, the firm could not continue its outstanding technical development. Financiers thought that only the original Daimler patents had value, but they reckoned without four major items. First, Wilhelm Maybach as chief engineer. Second, the presence of Paul Daimler who had the same inventive ability as his father. Third, Emile Jellinek, now director of the company, whose business sense and financial backing was first rate. Finally, the tremendous success of the new Mercedes. The Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft was on the soundest footing possible. In 1909 the threepointed star became the official emblem, and was most often seen on the rear of the Mercedes cars by other drivers as they vainly tried to catch the flying speedsters.

Above extract taken from oldandsold.com. Get more on Mercedes History at oldandsold.com. 

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