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Benz Patent Motorwagon
German inventor, Karl Benz, along with Daimler, is often credited to have created the first automobile. it was essentially a horse drawn buggy, powered by an engine equivalent to a modern day ride-on lawnmower. Benz also happened to be one of the co-founders for Mercedes-Benz. -
Model T
The first car built in America was the Model T, which began as a design on the back of sheet music in 1891, Henry Ford first created a four cylinder engine ran by gasoline which functionally operated on Christmas Eve of 1893, The prototype for the car was first developed in 1896 and the car was sold in the USA, Canada, and Great Britain from 1908 until 1927. -
Vintage Era
This era lasted from after the first World War until 1929, the Wall Street Crash. This was when V8 and V12 engines became popular and close-body cars became the norm. Pedal based control systems and electric ignitions became widely used, Radios were introduced, and cigarette lighters are incredibly popular. Notable cars of the time include: Austin 7, Bugatti Type 35, Ford Model A (which was a massive flop), and the Cadillac V-16. -
The Jeep
In 1938, the U.S. military was allowing vehicle companies to submit bids to create a vehicle for troops. The American Bantom Motor Company submitted what we know as the Jeep. It was the first four-wheel drive all terrain vehicle. It was a success, due to its rugged, reliable, and easy-to-fix nature. The jeep didn't his consumer markets until 1956, though not selling successfully until Americans became obsessed with large, powerful sedans covered in chrome. -
Pre-War Era
This Era began with the Great Depression and ended with WWII, cars were sold for extremely low prices. Front wheel drive made an appearance, though it was invented many years earlier, and headlights migrated to become part of the body. Coil spring suspension, the suspension is made to act like a spring, came about to improve handling. Notable models of the time include: Ford V-8, Bugatti Type 57, VW Beetle, MG T series, and Rolls-Royce Phantom III. -
The Beetle
The Volkswagen Beetle was originally designed by Porsche, who was ordered by Hitler to create a cheap easy-to-run car for German citizens. The car never officially went on sale until 1945, after the war, and was discontinued in Germany, though production still continues in North America today. -
1950's: Rise of the Sports Car
During the fifties People who had money wanted to show it off with their cars. Power everything began in the fifties; power steering, power windows, and automatic transmissions. People wanted their cars to be big and flashy, often decking them out in bright colours, chrome, and adding wings. Companies were also tinkering with the idea of a sports car, a less chunky, more sleek car, Chevrolet Corvette is an example. Notable Cars: Cadillac El Dorado, Chevy Bel Air, and Lincoln Premiers Landau. -
1963-1973: Rise of the Muscle Car
In the late fifties, companies came out with the muscle car, leading a movement of racing and everyone wanting their car to be the biggest and boldest. The Camero, Barracuda, and the Mustang began this revolution, their large engines and flashy exterior, as well as appearance on the track began america's fascination. Notable cars include: Camero, Daytona Charger, Trans Am, Rood Runner, GTO, Mustang, Chevelle, and Shelby Cobra Super Snake. -
1973
In 1973 gas prices rapidly increased, companies then created smaller vehicles which burned much less fuel, the muscle car going temporarily dormant. Ford came out with the Pinto, a smaller less expansive version of the saught after Mustang. -
1980's-1990's Era of the Imports
In the eighties imports were everything, Toyota, Honda and even Ferrari. Everyone wanted a car from anywhere but the USA. Notable Cars include: Porsche 959, Delorean DMC 12, Mazda RX7 FC, Honda CRX Si, and Toyota Corolla GT-S -
Present
Nowadays, anyone and everyone drives a car, no specific style is popular and people drive cars of all types and times. The future holds flying and hover cars, we'll just have to wait.
