In the United States of America, we like to think of July as the month that we celebrate our independence as a nation. That freedom is largely aided nowadays by the birth of the single most used method of transportation in the world, the automobile. The first auto was driven by Karl Benz on July 3, 1886.

In case you are wondering, yes that Benz. The man who’s name is on perhaps the most famous luxury branded car on the planet. However on that day in Mannheim, Germany in 1886, the first Benz vehicle was a horseless carriage.

 Horseless Carriage

Differences from Modern Automobiles

The first patented automobile had very little outside resemblance to the vehicles we know and love today. Benz’s horseless carriage had only 3 wheels, tiller steering, buggy type seating and no roof.  Imagine trying to get that past the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Similarities to Modern Automobiles

There is a huge resemblance to the modern auto in that the engine of that first horseless carriage contains all the processes that make modern transportation as efficient as it is. Benz designed into the engine oil and grease for lube, a differential, carburetor, valves and even had electrical ignition. All of this was built into a car that topped out at 10 m.p.h.

 Benz was the First

Due to the sophistication of his engine and process, Benz was awarded his first patent in 1886, despite there being competitors.  He displayed the vehicle in public for the first time on July 3, 1886, making this the date the “car” was born.

At Downtown Autobody, we know people love their cars old and new, and our expert and friendly staff will give you an honest, upfront assessment of all work that needs to be done before we do any repairs. Visit our autobody shop for all of your vehicle repairs.