Welcome to the The History of Cars!

In 1885, German engineer Karl Benz built the first practical car powered by a gas engine. It had three wheels, a rear-mounted engine, and a frame made of steel tubes with wooden panels. Benz designed the wheels himself, using steel spokes and solid rubber tires. The car steered with a gear system that turned the front wheel, and the rear had spring suspension, a live axle, and chains to drive both wheels. A simple belt system acted as the transmission, adjusting power between two discs.

• Lightweight body
• Durable chassis
• Inexpensive compact car

The Success of the Benz Patent Motorwagen

The Patent-Motorwagen was not an immediate commercial success, but it was a resounding and historic success for several key reasons. The initial public reception was skeptical, and sales were slow, but the vehicle's pioneering technology and a bold publicity stunt by Karl Benz's wife, Bertha, ultimately proved its world-changing potential. The Benz Patent-Motorwagen was in production and sold from 1886 to 1893, with about 25 models built during this period, before it was replaced by the new Benz Velo.

1. Created Attention
2. Gave other companies ideas
3. Influenced others