Who Invented the Automobile?
The automobile was one of the most important inventions of modern times. It changed the way the world operated, and transformed the way the world travelled. Yet, what is the history behind this vital machine?
Although a number of different inventors and engineers helped shape the automobile, the inventor who is usually given credit for this machine is Karl Benz. Karl Benz was a German engineer, and was the founder of Mercedes-Benz.
He was born on November 25, 1844 in Karlsruhe. When Karl Benz was only two years old, his father was killed in a railway accident. He received a good education when he grew up, and studied at the Poly-Technical University when he was young.
He became interested in locomotive engineering, and he began studying mechanical engineering at the University of Karlsruhe when he was only fifteen years old. He graduated when he was nineteen. He worked at several mechanical engineering companies and attempted different investments, but nothing seemed to stick.
The Horseless Carriage
Benz had the idea to design a horseless carriage, based on his love for bicycles. He finished the design in 1885, and called it the Benz Patent Motorwagen. The machine generated its own power, unlike the motorized stage coaches or horse carriages. For this reason, it is considered the first automobile.
In 1886, the design was slightly altered, and it was patented on January 29, 1886. The description for the invention was an “automobile fueled by gas.” It had problems, however, and it was notably difficult to control. In fact, during a public demonstration for the machine, it crashed into a wall.
However, Benz continued to perfect his invention with the Motorwagen Model 2, and then the Model 3. In 1888, Benz began to sell the invention. Thus, this was the first commercially available automobile in history.
The Popularity of Early Vehicles
Quickly after Benz opened up the invention to the public, it became popular. By the 1900s, both France and the United States were producing the machines by mass production.
The first company that dedicated itself solely to building automobiles began in France. It was called the Panhard et Levassor, and the company is also responsible for the first four cylinder engine.
The first American automobile manufacturing company was formed in 1893 by Charles and Frank Duryea. It was called the Duryea Motor Wagon Company. In 1902, a company formed by Ransom E. Olds began to dominate the American market. His Olds Motor Vehicle Company (Oldsmobile) started a large scale production line, and took over the country. Cadillac soon followed, and cars were being produced by the thousands.
Advancements in the Automobile
Other inventors perfected aspects of Benz’s technology. The German creator, Nikolaus Otto, invented the four stroke petrol internal combustion engine. Rudolf Diesel invented the four stroke diesel engine. Christian Friedrich Schonbein discovered the hydrogen fuel cell, which has been suggested as a possible alternative for gasoline.
The dual engine was invented, and it was then followed by the quad engine. Louis Renault modified a De Dion-Bouton with a fixed drive shaft and ring and pinion gear. It was most likely the first hot rod in history.
Renault invented drum brakes in 1902. In 1903, Jacobus Spijker built the first four wheel drive racing car, although it never competed. In 1895, George B. Seldon received a patent for the two stroke automobile engine in the United States. In 1908, the first South American automobile was built in Peru. It was called the Grieve.
Advancements were made to gasoline as well. The technology required to produce gasoline was improved, and improvements were made to heat tolerant mineral oil lubricants. These individuals and inventions were all important to the evolution of the machine to where it is today.