International Women's Day: 10 influential women from automotive history
10. Bertha Benz (1849–1944):
Our journey begins with Bertha Benz, often regarded as the first person to embark on a long-distance automobile journey. In 1888, without her husband Karl Benz's knowledge, Bertha took the Benz Patent-Motorwagen for a 65-mile trip, showcasing the vehicle's practicality and reliability. Her pioneering spirit played a crucial role in popularising the automobile and laid the foundation for modern long-distance road travel.
9. Mary Barra (born 1961)
As the current Chairman and CEO of General Motors, Mary Barra is a powerful force in the modern motor industry. Breaking through glass ceilings, Barra became the first woman to lead a major global automaker. Under her leadership, GM has focused on innovation and sustainability, emphasising the importance of diversity and inclusion in shaping the future of the automotive industry.
8. Florence Lawrence (1886–1938)
Known as "The First Movie Star," Florence Lawrence was an early film actress and inventor. While not directly involved in motorsports, Lawrence made significant contributions to automotive safety. In 1914, she patented the first electric turn signal, a crucial invention that has since become a standard feature in every vehicle, enhancing road safety for all.
7. Susie Wolff (born 1982)
Susie Wolff, Managing Director of the F1 Academy, boasts a two-decade-long motorsport career that began in karting and extended through Formula Renault and DTM with Mercedes-Benz. In 2014, she made history at the British Grand Prix, becoming the first woman in 22 years to participate in a Formula 1 race weekend. Post-retirement, Susie launched Dare To Be Different in 2016, promoting female talent and enhancing women's involvement in motorsport. In 2023, she assumed the role of Managing Director at the F1 Academy, overseeing the development of young female drivers and preparing them for higher competition levels.
6. Mary Anderson (1866-1953)
On a trip to New York, Mary Anderson saw drivers struggling with snow and rain on their car windows. That's when she came up with the idea for windshield wipers. Mary invented a simple system using a swinging arm with a rubber blade that could be controlled from inside the car. Although the design has evolved to be automated, the basic idea Mary came up with is still the same. Windshield wipers became a standard feature in all cars in 1916.
5. Janet Guthrie (born 1938)
Janet Guthrie is a pioneering figure in American motorsports, notably becoming the first woman to qualify and compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500. Despite facing scepticism and discrimination, Guthrie's talent and perseverance earned her respect and admiration within the racing community. Her trailblazing efforts opened doors for future generations of female drivers, challenging stereotypes and expanding opportunities for women in professional racing.
4. Dorothy Levitt (1882-1922)
Dorothy Levitt, was not just one of the earliest female racing drivers but also a world land speed record holder, reaching 92mph. She taught Queen Alexandra and other royal women how to drive and held the first water speed record. Dorothy allegedly even learned how to fly planes. In 1905, she made a remarkable 411-mile drive from London to Liverpool and back, setting a record for the longest distance driven by a woman at that time. Dorothy also authored a book called 'The Woman and the Car: A Chatty Little Handbook for all Women who Motor or Who Want to Motor,' where she suggested carrying a pocket mirror for rear-view purposes, introducing the idea of a rear-view mirror long before it became common. She was known for her adventurous spirit, having her pet Pomeranian dog and a Colt automatic pistol accompany her on her drives.
3. Michelle Mouton (born 1951)
Michele Mouton is widely recognised as one of the greatest rally drivers in history. During the early 1980s, she drove for the Audi factory team in the Quattro, securing a remarkable second-place finish in the 1982 driver's world championship. Mouton, the only woman to compete in top-flight rallying, narrowly missed the championship title due to a crash in the penultimate round, the Rallye Côte d'Ivoire. Despite her impressive performance, the title went to Walter Röhrl, who admitted he couldn't accept losing to Mouton simply because she was a woman. After winning the German Rally title and making history as the first woman to win a major championship, Mouton retired from driving. However, her influence continued as she co-founded the annual Race of Champions, became the inaugural president of the FIA's Women & Motor Sport Commission in 2010, and took on the role of FIA's manager in the World Rally Championship in 2011.
2. Helene Rother (1908-1999)
Helen Rother made history as the first female automotive designer. Originally a jewellery designer in France, her life took a turn during World War II, leading her to a North African refugee camp. In 1941, she arrived in New York and worked as an illustrator for Marvel Comics. After seeing a job listing at General Motors, she moved to Detroit and secured the position, becoming highly successful during her four years there. However, her accomplishments were not fully acknowledged, prompting her to leave GM and join Nash Motors (now Chrysler). From 1948 to 1956, Rother's designs transformed Nash interiors into modern and stylish spaces, earning them the title of the best in American automotive luxury. Her achievements led to an invitation to speak at the 1951 Society of Automotive Engineers Conference, making her the first woman to do so.
1. Danica Patrick (born 1982)
Danica Patrick, an American former racing driver, is widely recognised for her ground-breaking achievements in the male-dominated world of NASCAR and IndyCar racing. In 2008, she became the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race, showcasing her talent and determination. Patrick's success on the track shattered gender stereotypes and inspired countless young women to pursue careers in professional racing.