Who exactly invented the first ever car?

There are many different types of automobiles. There are steam-powered cars, electric vehicles, and gasoline cars that come with countless styles. The history of the automobile is a long and winding road. Exactly who invented the automobile is a matter of opinion.

 

The Benz Motor Car No. 1, first car ever invented
The Benz Motor Car No. 1, the first car ever invented. (Image Credits: Philip Lange / Shutterstock.com via LifeScience.com)

 

If we trace down the track of history, we will eventually get to the Benz Motor Car No. 1, also known as the missing link between horse-drawn buggies and cars, the first true modern automobile. The three-wheeled Motor Car, known as the “Motorwagen” was patented by its inventor, Karl Benz back in 1886.

Karl Benz, founder of Mercedes Benz, Founder of the First Car Ever Made
Karl Benz, founder of Mercedes Benz, invented the first ever automobile car. (Image Credits: Biography)

Our knowledge of the invention of the true automobile continues to evolve.  The story of the invention of the automobile has become enriched with various other figures who played a part in its history. Let’s look at a few prominent individuals who played a part in bringing the 4-wheelers to life:

1. Leonardo da Vinci had sketched a horseless, mechanized cart in the early 1500s. A replica is still on display at the Chateau Clos Lucé, Leonardo’s last home and now a museum!

2. Simon Steven of Holland built sailing chariots that were propelled by the wind in 1600. It was used in China when the first Westerners visited!

3. Nicholas-Joseph Cugnot, a Frenchman, built a self-propelled vehicle with a steam engine in 1769. The cart was designed to move artillery pieces but moved at a walking pace and had to stop every 20 minutes to build a new head of steam!

4. Robert Anderson, a Scottish, is known as the inventor of the first crude electric carriage between 1832 to 1839. He became famous when he launched the first ever prototype of electric-powered carriage using a non-rechargeable battery known as primary cells!

5. Karl Friedrich Benz from Germany invented the automobile powered by an internal combustion engine, which comes with three wheels, four cycle, engine and chassis that form a single unit, also known as gasoline car!

 

Ultimately, Karl Benz gets the credit for inventing the automobile because his car was practical, used a gasoline-powered internal-combustion engine and worked like modern cars do today. Benz also patented his own throttle system, spark plugs, gear shifters, a water radiator, a carburettor and other fundamentals to the automobile. Daimler Group was eventually built by Benz, a car company that still exists today!