Heritage

Heritage Highlight

During Maybach’s apprenticeship, Daimler recognized Wilhelm’s unique talent for drafting designs, and took him under his wing. In 1868 Daimler left the orphanage and six months later sent for Wilhelm to join him. Under Daimler’s guidance, Maybach designed the first hi-speed internal combustion engine in 1885 and together they installed the engine in a wooden bicycle to create the world’s first motorcycle.

Daimler and Maybach would go on to work together for the next 35 years, founding the Daimler Motoren Gelleschaft (Daimler Motor Company).

It was this rare mentoring opportunity that led Maybach to design the first Mercedes automobile, thereby defining the origins of the modern automotive era.

The Wilhelm & Karl Maybach Foundation invests in the select few who have the skill, the potential and the vision to help the many. For a select few protégés from across the globe who face adversity in realizing their true potential, we provide mentorships with leaders in their discipline, meaningful stipends, leadership training, and exclusive introductions to the very decision-makers who can open doors for them worldwide.

Legacy of Excellence

Family Heritage

Wilhelm Maybach was born in 1846 in the town of Heilbronn, Germany. Orphaned at the age of ten, he attended a progressive orphanage called the "Bruderhaus" in Reutlingen. It was there that nineteen-year-old Wilhelm met Gottlieb Daimler, the design studio director of the Bruderhaus, and the mentor who would change both of their lives.

In the 1920's and 30's, Wilhelm's son, Karl Maybach, built on his father's legacy by designing his own brand of ultra-luxury Maybach sedans.

Seven decades later, in 2002, Daimler AG revitalized this Maybach Brand in recognition of Wilhelm Maybach and his son Karl, who together played such a monumental role in defining German engineering. The Maybach Foundation honors the spirit of Wilhelm and Karl and their legacy of mentoring in the pursuit of excellence

Maybach Vintage Automobiles

The Maybach legacy of engineering excellence inspires a passionate following among car enthusiasts. Read about some of the most admired vintage automobiles here. 

Spyker 30/40 C4, Register #1	Spyker 30/40 C4, Register #2	Spyker 30/40 C4, Register #3	Spyker C4 "Tenax"
Maybach W5 SG, Register #1	Maybach W5 SG, Register #2	Maybach W5 SG, Register #3	Maybach W6, Register #1
Maybach W6, Register #2	Maybach W6 DSG, Register #3	Maybach W6 DSG, Register #4	Maybach-12, Register #1
Maybach-12, Register #2	Maybach-12/DS8 "Zeppelin"