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The Steam Powered Propulsion Vehicle
France had been experimenting with steam powered vehicles capable of carrying weapons and troops for their armies. The first prototypes were horribly impractical and inefficient, but it did introduce the hand brake, advanced steering, and early transmissions. Source:
Brainard, Written By Rick. "Early Automobiles - 18th Century History -- The Age of Reason and Change." 18th Century History. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2016. -
The Modern Automobile is Born
A German inventor and engineer named Carl Benz invents the "Benz Patent-Motorwagen." Benz' car included a four stroke, single cylinder engine, three, three spoke tires, and a compact steel frame. The engine was located on the rear of the car. Source:
"Benz Patent Motor Car, the First Automobile (1885 – 1886) | Daimler." Daimler. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2016. -
The Ford Model-T
Henry Ford introduced the Model-T that allowed the middle class to buy automobiles, not just the wealthy. The car included a four cylinder engine, over Benz' one cylinder, and it offered interchangeable parts. Source:
"Automobile - Timeline - Greatest Engineering Achievements of the Twentieth Century." Automobile - Timeline - Greatest Engineering Achievements of the Twentieth Century. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2016. -
The Introduction of the Electric Starter
Until 1911, all cars were started by hand-cranking. A man named Charles Kettering, created the first electric starter that was small enough to fit under the hood, and powerful enough to start the car. They were first put into service in Cadillacs in 1912. Source:
"Automobile - Timeline - Greatest Engineering Achievements of the Twentieth Century." Automobile - Timeline - Greatest Engineering Achievements of the Twentieth Century. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2016. -
The First Four-wheel, Hydraulic Brakes
The new and improved brake system relied on a Master Cylinder in a hydraulic system that applies pressure evenly to all four tires as the brake is stepped on. This new car was called the "Duesenberg," and it was made in Indianapolis, Indiana. Source:
"Automobile - Timeline - Greatest Engineering Achievements of the Twentieth Century." Automobile - Timeline - Greatest Engineering Achievements of the Twentieth Century. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2016. -
Introduction of Power Steering
A man named Francis Wright Davis creates the first power steering system that worked in coordination with a hydraulic system. Source:
"Automobile - Timeline - Greatest Engineering Achievements of the Twentieth Century." Automobile - Timeline - Greatest Engineering Achievements of the Twentieth Century. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2016. -
Introduction of Flashing Turn Signals
A Delaware Company creates flashing turn signals by having a wire connect to a light-bulb via a wire. Current flows through the wire, and lights up and lights off the light-bulb, creating the signal. Source:
"Automobile - Timeline - Greatest Engineering Achievements of the Twentieth Century." Automobile - Timeline - Greatest Engineering Achievements of the Twentieth Century. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2016. -
Introduction of the Fuel-Injection System
This new design allows cars to use air and fuel more precisely and efficiently than past models. It was invented in Britain. Source:
"Automobile - Timeline - Greatest Engineering Achievements of the Twentieth Century." Automobile - Timeline - Greatest Engineering Achievements of the Twentieth Century. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2016. -
Introduction of Passenger Airbags
Airbags were originally only on the driver side of cars, but now they are introduced into the passenger side as well. Source:
"Automobile - Timeline - Greatest Engineering Achievements of the Twentieth Century." Automobile - Timeline - Greatest Engineering Achievements of the Twentieth Century. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2016.
