He was much like a carriage, but without horses. Called the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, the German vehicle was the first car equipped with the type of engine we still use today. By the way, that was the only similarity with the current models: the snapper was supported by three wheels, accommodated only two people seated and had only one gear, in addition to a completely different direction.
The contraption was invented by Karl Benz and his patent was recognized by the German Empire in 1886. Even though there were no highways, gas stations and spare parts, 25 units were sold in three versions. Without rain protection and made to accommodate one person, it could even take two, but that compromised performance.
X-RAY
The whole set, without passengers, had the following dimensions
Weight: 265 kg
Length: 2.7 m
Height: 1.4m
– (André Toma/)
1) RIGHT OR LEFT
A lever that functioned like a boat’s rudder steered the vehicle. Instead of using both hands on a steering wheel, you would only need one to shift the lever to the right or left side and direct travel. Depending on the speed and terrain surface, it was difficult to control the car.
2) FOOT ON THE BOARD
The vehicle’s structure was constructed with steel tubes and wooden panels. The wheels were made up of steel rims and rubber tires.
3) STEPPING FUND
With a horsepower and a capacity of 0.954 liters, the engine made the wheels turn up to 400 times per minute. Thus, the invention reached a top speed of 16 km/h in 45 seconds. Traction was on the rear wheels.
4) TIME TO STOP
The brakes were operated on the same steering lever. When activating them, leather straps braked the front wheel. In 1887, the new version of the vehicle transferred the brakes to the rear wheels, increasing safety.
– (André Toma/)
5) FILL THE TANK
The vehicle had a gas tank with a capacity of 1.5 liters. Its autonomy was only 15.9 km, which gives a consumption of 10.6 km per liter.
– (André Toma/)
6) REVERSE HITCH
The motorized carriage was water-cooled and had only one gear. A system of leather straps carried to the wheels the information that the only gear had been engaged and, from there, two metal discs made the wheels start to rotate. Before driving off, you had to turn the ignition on at the rear of the vehicle.
“Automobile” is any vehicle that moves by itself. Meet some who opened doors for the sector.1769-1770
STEAM
A tractor created by Frenchman Nicolas Joseph Cugnot as a tow for cannons was the first steam vehicle.1832-1839
THE ELECTRICITY
The carriage invented by Scotsman Robert Anderson had rechargeable batteries and a small electric motor.1886
THE COMBUSTION
Created by Karl Benz, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen was registered with the German Imperial Patent Office.
1916
BASIC EQUIPMENT
The first car with ignition (key), accelerator, brake, clutch and gears, very similar to the current ones, was the Cadillac Type 53.
SOURCES: Mercedes Benz Australia, websites BBC, Top Gear UKIt is automuseum-dr-carl-benz.deand books The Car: A History of the Automobileby Jonathan Glancey, and Car: The Definitive Visual History of the Automobileby DK Adult