In today’s society, most people own a car to get back and forth to work and to conveniently get around for errands and appointments. Cars are so commonplace that not only are they used for transportation, but cars are even purchased as collectibles and “toys” for those who enjoy all things automotive. But what’s the story behind the first car? Who made the first car? Would its inventor ever have imagined what that first car would become? Probably not, but let’s dive into the story behind the first car.
When Was the First Car Made?
When asked the question, “When was the first car made?” most probably go straight to Henry Ford and his timeless automobile. But to answer who invented the first car, you need to go further back. A lot further back, to a time before the birth of the United States. And also across the pond to France.
What Year Was the First Car Made?
The first car was a steam car designed by Nicholas-Joseph Cugnot in 1769. Known as the Cugnot Steam Tractor, this groundbreaking machine boasted a unique design that set it apart from conventional vehicles. Equipped with a single-cylinder steam engine, the Cugnot Steam Tractor delivered approximately three horsepower, enabling it to achieve a top speed of around 2.5 miles per hour. With a load-bearing capacity of four tons, this impressive creation paved the way for future advancements in transportation. Although rudimentary by modern standards, the Cugnot Steam Tractor showcased the potential of steam power, igniting the spark of innovation that would eventually transform the world of automobiles.
This groundbreaking innovation in transportation was not without its faults. The Cugnot was slow to turn and unfortunately was unable to stop. This was a feature that was not included on the steam-powered vehicle. This lack of braking system eventually led to the first car accident. This as well as lack of funding from the French government caused the halt of production and the end of the project in 1771. It was believed that all of the prototypes were lost until the 1800s when an original Cugnot was uncovered. It currently resides in the Musee des Arts et Metiers in Paris.
The Internal Combustion Engine
The internal combustion engine is a type of heat engine that converts the chemical energy stored in fuel, such as gasoline, kerosene, or diesel, into mechanical energy through the process of combustion occurring within the engine. The engine works by burning a fuel-air mixture inside a combustion chamber, resulting in the rapid expansion of high-pressure gases. This expansion creates a force that drives pistons, which in turn rotate a crankshaft, converting the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion. This rotational motion can then be used to power the wheels of a vehicle or operate other mechanical systems.
When Was the First Gas Powered Car Made?
Isaac de Rivaz, an engineer from Switzerland, developed an internal combustion engine that ran on a combination of hydrogen and oxygen. He designed a car around his engine and thus the first internal combustion automobile was born. His design was not very successful and was, unfortunately, short-lived.
The Birth Certificate of the Automobile
On January 29, 1886, a patent was filed for a “vehicle powered by a gas engine.” The engineer who filed the patent, Karl Benz, is credited with penning the “Birth Certificate of the Automobile.” He first patented his gasoline-powered internal combustion engine in 1879. He then paired the engine with a three-wheeled buggy and named it the Benz Motorwagen. The “Patent Benz Motorwagen” went on sale to the public in 1888. In 1891 Benz developed his first four-wheeled car and by 1900 Benz & Cie was the world’s largest automobile manufacturer.
Cars of the Early 1900s
By 1900, at least 100 brands of horseless carriages were being advertised in the United States. Ransom E. Olds recognized that these brands were all very expensive and that there was a need for an automobile option for everyone. Olds’ Runabout model was just that. In order to compete with the other brands available, Olds began outsourcing his parts to make the vehicle more affordable. Some noteworthy names associated with this outsourcing included the Dodge brothers, Henry Leland who would later found Cadillac and Lincoln, and Fred J. Fisher who would later design for General Motors.
These outsourced, interchangeable parts would later be adopted by Henry Ford who designed the first assembly line, taking another step in mass production of the automobile to make it more accessible for everyone. What formerly took 12 hours to assemble could now be completed in 24 seconds, cutting the cost of the vehicles to a mere $290.
Ultimate Protection for Your Classic Car
Automobiles and automobile collecting offer a rich and interesting history. Innovations made cars accessible to everyone and each stage brought unique vehicles that have remained remarkable throughout history. When you find a piece of automotive history that speaks to you, you want to protect your prized possession. Classic Auto Insurance offers specialized protection for your classic or antique vehicle. With customizable coverage including 24/7 roadside assistance with flatbed towing, rollover miles, and agreed-upon value, your car is protected no matter what comes your way. Contact us today for your custom quote 888-901-1338, and protect your investment like only we can.
