The World's First Car

As we lead up to celebrating American’s 250^th birthday on July 4, 1^st Choice Autos is bringing to you a series of posts on How the Automobile Shaped America over the last 130 years.  Today we look at the world’s first gas-powered automobile.  Check back each evening for a new installment.

Although America quickly became the dominant maker of automobiles in the early 1900s, the idea of a self-propelled vehicle really began in Germany and France.  In 1769 a military engineer in France, named Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot, built the world’s first steam-powered vehicle—a three-wheeled artillery tractor.  It went all of 2 MPH.

However, the world’s first gas-powered automobile was built by the German engineer, Karl Benz, in 1885 and patented on January 9, 1886.  It was called the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, and it looked like large motor-powered tricycle.    

To see a replica of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen being driven today, CLICK HERE for a Youtube video sponsored by Mercedes-Benz.

Do you need an automobile newer than the 1886 Benz model?  Check out our inventory at 1^st Choice Autos – www.1stchoiceautosllc.com.  Not finding what you want?  Call us and tell us what you are looking for in a pre-owned automobile, and we will keep a look out for you – (704) 798-7837.