A pioneer In the development of the lntemai combustion engine, Dr. Max Bentele has been nicknamed “Mr. Rotary” and The lather of the American Wankel engine.’ His long and distinguished career was highllghted by his participation in the developments of the jet engine/gas turbine (1941) and the rotary Wankel engine (1958). Born in Germany in 1909, Dr. Bentele worked in Germany, Great Britain and the United States during a career which spanned five decades. The “Max Bentele Collection of Wankel, Rotary and Other Engines.” consisting of his papers, documents and other literary memorabilia relating to the automotive field, is housed in the National Automotive History Collection of the Detroit Public Library. His papers dealing with aviation are part of the University of Wyoming’s Transportation History Foundation.