Who invented the automobile? Was it Henry Ford?

Although Ford certainly had an impact on the automobile’s history, the invention of the automobile pre-dates Mr. Ford’s birth. 

In the 15^th century Leonardo da Vinci was creating designs and models for transport vehicles. Therefore an argument for the first romance could be made for Leonardo but he never even put together a running prototype and never got to experience the ride.  

The romance with the automobile is long and enduring but who invented it, does not have a straightforward answer.

1979 Nicolas Cugnot put together a three wheeler steam engine vehicle for the French Army.

1880’s Robert Anderson worked with electric propulsion.

1880’s Carl Benz put together a gasoline automobile powered by an internal combustion engine: three wheeled, four cycle engine and chassis form a single unit.

An argument could be made for each of these individuals but only one makes since to a Classic Car Nut like myself, Carl Benz. After all he used a combustion engine. He invented the car of vroom, squealing tires, drag racing, Nascar, Formula one, Daytona, Indianapolis 500  and so on. He invented the car I love.

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