Evolution of Cars

  • First motor invented.

    First motor invented.
    German inventor Karl Benz creates the first motor car, called the Benz Patent-Motorwagon.
  • Ford Motor Company established.

    Ford Motor Company established.
    Henry Ford opens the Ford Motor Company and sells 1,700 cars in the first year.
  • First four wheel brake system implemented.

    First four wheel brake system implemented.
    The Scottish made Argyll is the first automobile fitted for four wheel brakes. The front brakes are operated by a foot pedal, while the back brakes are controlled by a hand lever.
  • electric traffic light invented.

    electric traffic light invented.
    Police officer Lester Wire invents the first electric traffic light. The first actual light was installed in Cleveland, Ohio in 1914.
  • First car radio installed.

    First car radio installed.
    Galvin Manufacturing Corporated, under the direction of Paul V. Galvin and Joseph E. Glavin invest and install the first car radio.
  • turn signals invented.

    turn signals invented.
    The Delaware company uses a thermal interrupter to create the flashing turn signal.
  • First diesel passenger car introduced.

    First diesel passenger car introduced.
    Mercedes-Benz introduces the 260-D, the first diesel passenger car. By 1939, there was a fifteen month waiting list for the car.
  • Lamborghini was founded.

    Lamborghini was founded.
    The popular automobile company Lamborghini was founded by Ferrico Lamb. High-end sports cars began hitting the market.
  • Beetle is introduced.

    Beetle is introduced.
    Volkswagen starts producing the famous Beetle car in Germany.
  • air conditioning system installed.

    air conditioning system installed.
    Nash Motor Company installs the first air conditioner system.
  • First seatbelt installed.

    First seatbelt installed.
    The first seatbelt is installed in the Saab GT750 in Sweden.
  • First airbag installed.

    First airbag installed.
    The first air bag was fitted to GM cars Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Cadillac = signaling the industry's new found commitment to customer safety.
  • land speed record broken.

    land speed record broken.
    Richard Noble drives a Thrust 2 to 1019 km/h in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. The car was propelled by a Rolls Royce jet engine.
  • Land speed record broken once more.

    Land speed record broken once more.
    The Thrust SSC (Super Sonic Car) broke the land speed record by traveling at 1228 km/h.
  • The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 becomes the fastest commercial production car.

    The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 becomes the fastest commercial production car.
    The car has the potential to travel at speeds of up to 431 km/h.