49 Interesting Facts about the First Car Ever Made

The invention of the automobile has been a subject of debate, with opinions varying on who should be credited as its inventor. While the names of several pioneers are associated with the early development of automobiles, the focus often turns to Karl Benz, a German inventor, as the probable creator of the first car. This paragraph sets the stage for exploring the historical context of automobile innovation and introduces Karl Benz as a central figure. This article will share you with some interesting facts about the first car ever made. Keep reading.

Interesting Facts about the First Car Ever Made

The early years of the American automobile industry were marked by pioneers like Jay Frank and Charles Duryea, who not only designed the first successful American petrol car but also won races and made historic sales. This era saw the birth of iconic vehicles like the Model T and the establishment of major companies like General Motors. The industry thrived in the United States due to its unique geographical and economic factors, ultimately becoming a driving force in the nation’s history. Here are some interesting facts about the first car ever made”

1. Karl Benz: The Man Behind the First Practical Car

Karl Benz, a prominent figure in the history of automobiles, emerges as a pivotal character in the story of automotive innovation. Born in 1844 in Karlsruhe, Germany, Benz is recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to the automotive industry. His invention is celebrated not merely for its historical significance but also for its practicality and resemblance to modern cars. This section delves into Karl Benz’s background and highlights the key attributes that distinguish his creation as the first practical car.

2. The Birth of the First Stationary Petrol Engine

To understand the evolution of the automobile, it’s essential to explore the technological milestones that paved the way for its creation. In 1879, on New Year’s Eve, a significant moment in automotive history occurred as Karl Benz successfully developed the first stationary petrol engine. This marked a crucial step in the journey towards building a functional automobile. Here, we delve into the details of this groundbreaking achievement and its significance in the context of automotive innovation.

3. American Pioneers: The Duryea Brothers and the First Gasoline-Powered Car

While Karl Benz made significant strides in Germany, the United States also played a vital role in the early development of automobiles. In 1893, the Duryea brothers achieved a remarkable feat by constructing and road-testing the first moving, gasoline-powered American car in Springfield, Massachusetts. This paragraph sheds light on this noteworthy American contribution to the automotive industry, highlighting the Duryea brothers’ pioneering efforts.

4. The Transformation of Cars from Luxury to Everyday Transportation

Before the advent of mass-produced automobiles like the Model T, cars were considered a luxury item. This section explores the early 20th-century automotive landscape, revealing that at the beginning of 1908, there were fewer than 200,000 cars on the road. Despite its initial cost, the Model T, designed by Henry Ford, played a pivotal role in democratizing automobile ownership, making cars accessible to ordinary people for daily use. This shift from luxury to practicality marked a significant turning point in automotive history.

5. The Historic Milestone: Carl Benz’s First Automobile in Mannheim

On July 3, 1886, in Mannheim, Germany, mechanical engineer Carl Benz achieved an extraordinary milestone by creating the world’s first automobile. This paragraph provides a detailed account of this historic event, describing how the automobile reached speeds of 16 km/h (10 miles) and was powered by a 0.75-horsepower one-cylinder four-stroke petrol engine. It encapsulates the essence of this groundbreaking moment and Carl Benz’s pioneering contribution to the world of automobiles.

6. The Evolution of Car Propulsion Systems

The development of automobiles has been marked by significant innovations in propulsion systems. Three primary types of propulsion systems have played pivotal roles in the evolution of cars: steam, electric, and gasoline. Each of these systems represents a unique chapter in the history of automotive engineering.

7. Steam-Powered Cars

Steam-powered cars were among the earliest attempts at creating self-propelled road vehicles. These vehicles are operated by burning fuel to heat water in a boiler, producing steam to power an engine. The steam engine’s power was then harnessed to move the vehicle forward. This method marked the initial foray into the world of automobiles and was a precursor to more advanced systems.

8. Electric Cars and Their Unique Drivetrains

Electric cars, on the other hand, utilized batteries to power a small electric motor, which in turn drove the vehicle’s wheels. This distinctive drivetrain was a stark departure from traditional combustion engines. Electric cars offered a cleaner and quieter alternative, albeit with limitations in terms of battery technology during their early years.

9. Gasoline-Powered Revolution

Gasoline-powered cars introduced a revolutionary concept of internal combustion engines. These vehicles relied on fuel that ignited within each cylinder, resulting in controlled explosions that propelled the vehicle forward. This innovation laid the foundation for the modern automotive industry, as it allowed for greater power, efficiency, and range.

10. La Marquez: The World’s Oldest Car

As of the 21st century, La Marquez holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest automobile. This remarkable vehicle is an 1884 model created by French inventors de Dion, Bouton, and Trapperdox. La Marquez is a significant artifact, representing the pioneering spirit of early automobile engineers and their relentless pursuit of innovation. It serves as a historical treasure, often regarded as a quadrilateral prototype and affectionately referred to as “De Dion’s mom.” Buy Electronic components,lC chips, Module Darlington, Capacitor, find chips, diode, Transistors, Sensors, IGBT at Utsource.

11. The First Self-Propelled Road Vehicles

The origins of the automobile can be traced back to the first self-propelled road vehicles, which were powered by steam engines. By this definition, Nicholas Joseph Cugnot of France is credited with building the world’s first automobile in 1769. His invention was officially recognized by institutions such as the British Royal Automobile Club and the Automobile Club de France. This raises a question: why are Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz often credited with the invention of the car?

12. Daimler, Benz, and the Modern Automobile Era

The reason for this attribution lies in the fact that both Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz developed highly successful and practical petrol-powered vehicles during the era that marked the emergence of modern automobiles. Their inventions closely resembled the cars we use today, featuring gasoline-powered internal combustion engines. However, it’s important to note that the notion of a single individual “inventing” the car oversimplifies the complex history of automotive development.

13. The Significance of Internal Combustion Engines

Internal combustion engines have been the driving force behind the majority of automobiles. These engines function by utilizing the explosive combustion of fuel to drive a piston within a cylinder. The piston’s movement is then translated into rotary motion, rotating a crankshaft that ultimately turns the vehicle’s wheels through mechanisms like chains or drive shafts. The common fuels used in internal combustion engines include petrol (gasoline), diesel, and kerosene. These engines have evolved over the years, leading to increased efficiency and power in modern vehicles.

14. Pioneering the American Automobile Industry

In the late 19th century, the American automobile industry was in its nascent stages, with the first successful petrol-powered vehicle being designed by bicycle mechanics Jay Frank and Charles Duryea of Springfield, Massachusetts. This breakthrough marked the beginning of a revolutionary transformation in transportation. These innovative minds not only created the first successful American petrol automobile but also achieved significant milestones in the industry.

15. Triumph at the First American Car Race

Shortly after their invention, in the early 1900s, Jay Frank and Charles Duryea entered the world of competitive driving. Their journey reached a remarkable milestone when they won the first American car race. This victory not only showcased the potential of American automotive engineering but also ignited interest and enthusiasm among the public for this emerging mode of transportation.

16. Pioneering Sales of American-made petrol Cars

Building upon their initial success, Jay Frank and Charles Duryea made history by completing the first sale of an American-made petrol car. This groundbreaking sale marked the commercial viability of the American automobile industry and paved the way for the rapid growth and expansion of the sector in the coming years.

17. The Boom of the American Automobile Industry

The early 20th century witnessed an explosive growth in the American automobile industry. In 1901, thirty American manufacturers collectively produced an impressive 2,600 motor vehicles, a testament to the burgeoning interest and demand for these automobiles. As the decade progressed, approximately 50 companies ventured into the automobile business, eager to capitalize on the industry’s burgeoning potential.

18. Henry Ford’s Model T Revolution

One of the most iconic moments in the history of American automobiles occurred in 1908 when Henry Ford introduced the Model T. This affordable and reliable car became a symbol of innovation and accessibility, revolutionizing the automotive landscape and making cars accessible to a broader segment of the population.

19. Birth of General Motors

Around the same time, in 1908, William Durant founded General Motors, a company that would become a major player in the American automobile industry. General Motors’ establishment signified the industry’s consolidation and the emergence of major players with a diverse range of vehicle offerings.

20. A Seller’s Market in the Land of Opportunity

The growth of the American automobile industry occurred within a unique context. The United States, with its vast land area and a population dispersed across isolated settlements, presented a pressing need for efficient transportation. This need propelled the industry forward as it worked to provide solutions for an expansive and diverse nation.

21. Unprecedented Demand and Economic Factors

The American automobile industry also thrived due to unprecedented demand. The country boasted a significant amount of per capita income and equitable income distribution compared to many European nations. This created a consumer base with the purchasing power to invest in what was then considered a relatively expensive consumer product. The combination of demand, economic factors, and a rapidly evolving industry landscape laid the foundation for the American automobile industry’s enduring success.

22. The American Manufacturing Tradition

In the context of the American manufacturing tradition, it was almost inevitable that the automobile industry would flourish, offering cars at more affordable prices compared to Europe. One key factor contributing to this trend was the absence of tariff barriers between states, which encouraged the sale of automobiles across a vast geographical area. Additionally, the United States faced a persistent shortage of inexpensive raw materials and skilled labor. This scarcity, in turn, acted as a catalyst for the mechanization of industrial processes in the country. As a result, the need for standardization of products became paramount, leading to the mass production of not only automobiles but also other items like firearms, sewing machines, and bicycles.

23. Pioneering Mass Production

In 1913, the United States emerged as a global leader in automobile production, churning out a staggering 485,000 vehicles, a testament to the country’s industrial prowess during that era. At the forefront of this automotive revolution was the Ford Motor Company, which managed to outshine its competitors by introducing innovative designs at affordable prices. One of the standout examples of this achievement was the Ford Model N, produced between 1906 and 1907. This vehicle is often hailed as “the first instance of a low-cost motorcar powered by a gas engine with a cylinder large enough to provide substantial torque with each shaft rotation.” It quickly gained popularity and became widely available, exemplifying the shift towards accessible mass-produced automobiles.

24. Henry Ford’s Vision and the Model T

Building on the success of the Model N, Henry Ford was unwavering in his determination to create a car that would cater to a broader demographic—the “car for the big crowd.” His vision materialized in the form of the four-cylinder, twenty-horsepower Model T, which was introduced on October 9. Priced at a remarkably affordable $825, this vehicle featured a two-speed planetary transmission that made it user-friendly. Moreover, innovative features like a detachable cylinder head simplify maintenance and repair. The Model T’s elevated chassis was designed to navigate the often uneven terrain of rural roads, and its construction from Vanadium steel not only made it lighter but also more robust. A pioneering approach to casting parts, particularly the engine block, contributed significantly to cost reduction.

25. Revolutionizing Mass Production

To meet the soaring demand for the Model T, Ford revolutionized the concept of mass production. At its New Highland Park, Michigan, plant, which commenced operations in 1913 (although it did not achieve full production capacity until 1914), Ford implemented a modern mass production strategy. This streamlined process dramatically reduced production costs, making the Model T even more affordable for the average American. In 1912, a Model T sedan was available for a mere $575, a price that was within reach for many Americans, especially when compared to the average annual wage at the time. Ask a lawyer: Get all the legal help and documents you need

26. Legacy of the Model T

The Model T’s impact on the American automobile industry and the broader society cannot be overstated. After its production ceased in 1927, the price of a Model T coupe had plummeted to just $25, a testament to Ford’s commitment to affordability and accessibility. A staggering five million units of the Model T were sold, transforming the automobile from a luxury item into a personal necessity for many Americans. This iconic vehicle not only revolutionized transportation but also contributed to the reshaping of American culture and the concept of personal mobility.

27. Integration of Engine Design and Vehicle Design

Engine design and vehicle design have historically been closely interconnected activities. Many notable engine designers also ventured into car design, with some even becoming major manufacturers in the automotive industry. This symbiotic relationship between engine and vehicle design has played a pivotal role in the evolution of internal combustion vehicles. These collaborations and innovations have resulted in significant improvements in the overall performance and efficiency of automobiles.

28. Nicholas August Otto: Pioneer of Efficient Gas Motor Engine

One of the groundbreaking figures in engine design is Nicholas August Otto. In 1876, Otto invented an efficient gas motor engine, a milestone in the history of automotive technology. He introduced the world to the practical four-stroke internal combustion engine, known as the “Auto Cycle Engine.” Remarkably, Otto didn’t stop at engine design; he promptly incorporated his engine into a motorcycle, demonstrating its versatility and potential. Otto’s contributions hold immense historical significance, as his four-stroke engine design became the standard for propelling liquid-fueled automobiles.

29. Karl Benz and the Birth of the Practical Automobile

In 1885, the German mechanical engineer Karl Benz achieved a monumental feat in the world of transportation. He designed and constructed the world’s first practical automobile powered by an internal combustion engine. This pioneering vehicle, unveiled on January 29, 1886, marked a significant turning point in automotive history. Benz secured the first patent (DRP No. 37435) for a gas-fueled vehicle, signaling the formal recognition of this revolutionary technology.

30. The Three-Wheeled Innovation by Karl Benz

Karl Benz’s initial creation was a three-wheeled automobile, representing a crucial milestone in automotive engineering. In 1891, he went on to build his first four-wheeled car, further advancing the possibilities of motorized transportation. Benz founded his own company, Benz & C, which quickly gained prominence in the automotive industry. Within a remarkably short span of five years, Benz emerged as the world’s largest carmaker, underscoring the significance of his contributions.

31. Pioneering Integration of Engine and Chassis

Karl Benz’s pioneering achievement extended beyond the mere creation of an internal combustion engine or a car. He was the first inventor to successfully integrate an internal combustion engine with a purpose-designed chassis. This innovative approach of designing the engine and the chassis in tandem revolutionized the automotive industry. It laid the foundation for the modern automobile, where the engine and chassis are intricately connected, optimizing performance and safety.

The intertwined history of engine and vehicle design, the groundbreaking innovations of figures like Nicholas August Otto and Karl Benz, and their pioneering efforts in integrating engines with chassis have collectively shaped the course of automotive evolution. These milestones serve as a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess that continue to drive the automotive industry forward.

32. Daimler’s Innovative Gas Engine Patent (1885)

In 1885, Gottlieb Daimler, in collaboration with his design partner Wilhelm Maybach, made a significant stride in the development of internal combustion engines. They secured a patent for an invention that would later be recognized as the prototype for modern gas engines. This pivotal moment marked a turning point in the evolution of automotive technology, setting the stage for the future of transportation.

33. Daimler’s Connection with Otto and Motorcycle Controversy

Daimler’s association with Nikolaus Otto, a prominent figure in engine development, was direct. Daimler served as the technical director of Gasmotorenfabrik Deutz, a company co-owned by Otto. However, there is some historical debate surrounding the creation of the first motorcycle or “auto,” with claims and counterclaims about whether it was Daimler or someone else who achieved this pioneering feat.

34. The 1885 Daimler-Maybach Engine Advancements

The 1885 Daimler-Maybach engine represented a remarkable engineering achievement. It featured a small, lightweight design, incorporated a high-speed, petrol-injected carburetor, and boasted a vertical cylinder configuration. The engine’s size, speed, and efficiency were instrumental in ushering in a revolution in automotive design, shaping the future of the automobile industry.

35. Daimler’s First Wheeled Automobile (1885)

On March 7, 1885, Daimler achieved a groundbreaking milestone by adapting a stagecoach to accommodate his engine, effectively creating the world’s first wheeled automobile. This innovation marked Daimler as a pioneer in the practical application of the internal combustion engine for vehicular transportation, forever altering the course of automotive history.

36. Daimler’s Four-Stroke Engine and Its Influence (1889)

In 1889, Daimler introduced a four-stroke engine with a unique V-slanted two-cylinder configuration and mushroom-shaped valve. This engine, similar to Otto’s 1876 invention, laid the foundation for subsequent advancements in automobile engine technology. Daimler’s contributions played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of automotive engineering.

27. Daimler and Maybach’s First Automobile (1889)

During the same year, Daimler and Maybach embarked on the ambitious task of building their first automobile from the ground up. This marked a departure from their earlier practice of adapting existing vehicles. The result was a groundbreaking automobile equipped with a four-speed transmission and capable of achieving speeds of up to 10 miles per hour, pushing the boundaries of automotive performance.

38. The Birth of Daimler Motoren-Gesellschaft (1890)

In 1890, Daimler established the Daimler Motoren-Gesellschaft, a company dedicated to bringing his innovative designs to fruition. This marked the formal beginning of Daimler’s journey into automobile manufacturing and marked the start of a legacy that would shape the automotive industry for years to come. Udemy: Choose from over 210,000 online video courses with new additions published every month

39. Sigfried Marcus and Early Automobile Claims (1875)

The early history of automobile development is marked by claims and counterclaims, including Sigfried Marcus’s assertion of building the first car in 1875. Marcus’s vehicle is said to have featured a four-wheel engine, used petrol as fuel, and included significant advancements in components like the petrol engine carburetor and magnetic combustion. However, historical evidence suggests that Marcus’s creation may have occurred later than previously claimed.

40. Emergence of Gasoline-Powered Cars (Early 1900s)

In the early 1900s, gasoline-powered cars began to dominate the automotive market, surpassing other types of motor vehicles. The demand for affordable automobiles was surging, prompting the need for mass industrial production. This period marked a pivotal transition in transportation, as gasoline-powered cars emerged as the preferred mode of personal mobility.

41. French Pioneers and the Growth of Car Manufacturing (Late 19th Century)

The earliest car manufacturers were French companies, including Panhard and Levassor in 1889 and Peugeot in 1891. These manufacturers played a crucial role in the development of the automotive industry, laying the groundwork for the production and sale of motor vehicles. Notably, pioneers like Daimler and Benz initially focused on engine development before transitioning into full-fledged car manufacturing, eventually achieving success through patent licensing and the production of complete automobiles. This shift in focus marked a critical phase in the evolution of the automotive industry, as it expanded from engine experimentation to the creation of fully functional vehicles for sale.

42. The Beginnings of Car Manufacturing: Renee Panhard and Emil LeVasor

Renee Panhard and Emil LeVasor, initially partners in a timber manufacturer’s machinery business, made a significant transition into the world of automotive manufacturing. Their journey began in 1890 when they embarked on the construction of their first car, utilizing a Daimler engine. Notably, their efforts were made possible through a commission from Eduard Sarazin, who held the patent license for Daimler’s technology in France. This licensing arrangement allowed Sarazin the right to produce and profit from Daimler engines in France. However, Panhard and LeVasor’s venture went beyond mere replication; they not only crafted automobiles but also focused on enhancing the design of the vehicle’s body.

43. Pioneers in American Automobile Manufacturing: Charles and Frank Duryea

In the United States, the early pioneers of gasoline-powered commercial car manufacturing were Charles and Frank Duryea. Originally, bicycle makers, the Duryea brothers developed a keen interest in petrol engines and automobiles. Their first foray into motor vehicle production occurred in 1893, situated in Springfield, Massachusetts. By 1896, the Duryea Motor Wagon Company had successfully sold thirteen models of the Duryea car, including an upscale limousine. Their contributions to the automotive industry extended well into the 1920s.

44. The Birth of Mass Production in the United States: The 1901 Curved Dash Oldsmobile

Ransom Eli Olds, an American carmaker, played a pivotal role in the history of automobile manufacturing in the United States. He is credited with creating the first mass-produced automobile in the country, known as the 1901 Curved Dash Oldsmobile. Olds not only introduced this groundbreaking vehicle but also revolutionized the manufacturing process through the concept of the assembly line. His innovative approach began in Lansing, Michigan, where he collaborated with his father, Pliny Fisk Olds, on the production of both steam and petrol engines. In 1887, Olds designed his first steam-powered car, setting the stage for his future endeavors.

With an expanding knowledge of petrol engines, Ransom Eli Olds relocated to Detroit, a city that would become synonymous with the American automobile industry’s growth. There, he established the Olds Motor Works and specialized in the production of cost-effective automobiles. In 1901, he introduced the “Curved Dash Olds,” a model that marked a significant milestone in American automotive history. This vehicle garnered considerable success, with 425 units produced in its inaugural year. Ransom Eli Olds emerged as one of America’s leading automakers, shaping the industry’s trajectory from its early days and leaving an enduring legacy.

45. The Birth of the Assembly Line

Henry Ford, the renowned American carmaker, revolutionized the manufacturing industry by introducing the first conveyor belt-based assembly line at his car factory located in Highland Park, Michigan. This innovation, implemented around 1913, had a profound impact on the production process of automobiles, significantly reducing assembly time and, consequently, production costs. This pioneering move marked a pivotal moment in industrial history, shaping the future of manufacturing.

46. Ford’s Journey to Success

Henry Ford’s journey in the automotive industry began in 1896 when he constructed his first vehicle, known as the “Quadricycle.” However, it was not until five years later, with the establishment of the Ford Motor Company, that his endeavors gained significant traction. Ford’s early attempts were not without challenges, but his determination and innovation eventually led to remarkable success.

47. The Model T and Mass Production

In 1908, Henry Ford introduced the iconic Model T to the world, a vehicle that would go on to become a symbol of affordable and reliable transportation for the masses. It was a groundbreaking achievement in the automotive industry. However, it was Ford’s implementation of assembly line production techniques in his factory in 1913 that truly catapulted him to global prominence. The Model T, manufactured on these assembly lines, became emblematic of mass production and affordability. By 1927, a staggering 15 million Model T automobiles had rolled off the assembly line.

48. Ford’s Triumph Over the Patent War

Henry Ford’s contributions extended beyond the realm of production techniques. He found himself engaged in a patent war with George B. Selden, who held a patent for a “road engine,” despite not having constructed an actual car himself. Selden’s patent allowed him to collect royalties from all American car manufacturers, creating a significant impediment to the industry. Ford, however, successfully challenged and overturned Selden’s patent. This victory not only freed American carmakers from the burden of paying royalties but also played a pivotal role in making automobiles more affordable and accessible to the general population.

Henry Ford’s legacy in the automotive industry is characterized by innovation, determination, and a commitment to making cars accessible to the masses. His introduction of the assembly line and the Model T revolutionized not only the way cars were produced but also the entire automotive landscape. Furthermore, his triumph in the patent war with Selden had a far-reaching impact, shaping the American car market and contributing to the development of more affordable vehicles. Henry Ford’s contributions continue to influence the automotive industry to this day, making him a legendary figure in the history of American manufacturing.

49. Timeline

A brief outline of the history of the internal combustion engine includes the following highlights:

1680 – A Dutch physicist, Christian Huygens designed (but never built) an internal combustion engine that was fueled with a gun.
1807 – Francois Isaac de Rivas of Switzerland invented an internal combustion engine that uses a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen to fuel it. Rivas designed a car for his engine – the first internal combustion-powered automobile. However, his very failed design was the design
1824 – Samuel Brown, an English engineer, converted an old Newcomen steam engine to burn gas and used it to briefly drive a vehicle on London’s Shooters Hill.
1858 – Belgium-born engineer, Jean-Joseph-Tien Lenoir invented and patented (1860) a double-acting, electric spark-ignition internal combustion engine fueled by coal gas. In 1963, Lenoir connected an advanced engine (using petroleum and a primitive carburetor) to a three-wheeled wagon that was able to complete fifty-fifty miles of road travel.
1862 – French civil engineer Alphonse Beau de Rocas patented but did not produce the 4-stroke Engine (French Patent # 52,593, January 16, 1862).
1864 – The Austrian engineer, Siegfried Marcus, built a cylinder engine with a crude carburetor and connected his engine to a cart for a rocky 500-foot drive. Several years later, Marcus designed a car that briefly ran at 10 mph, which some historians consider to be the first petrol-powered vehicle in the world (though, read the conflicting notes below).
1873 – American engineer George Brayton builds an unsuccessful two-stroke kerosene engine (it uses two external pumping cylinders). However, it was first considered a safe and practical oil engine.
1866 – German engineers, Eugene Langen, and Nicholas August improved on the design of Otto Lenoir and de Rocas, and discovered more efficient gas engines.
1876 - Nicholas August Otto discovers and patents a successful four-stroke engine, known as the “autocycle.”
1876 - The first successful two-stroke engine was invented by Sir Dugald Clark.
1883 – A French engineer, Edward Delamere-Debutville, produces a single-cylinder four-stroke engine that is powered by stove gas. Not sure if he actually made a car, but Delamere-Debutville’s designs were very advanced over time – by no means less paper than Daimler and Benz.
1885 – Gottlieb invented Daimler, often recognized as the prototype of modern gas engines – with a vertical cylinder, and with petrol injected via a carburetor (patented in 1887). Daimler first built a two-wheeler “Ritzwagen” (riding carriage) with this engine and a year later built the world’s first wheeled motor vehicle.
1886 – January 28, Carl Benz received the first patent (DRP No. 134) for a fuel-efficient vehicle.
1889 – Daimler developed an advanced four-stroke engine with mushroom-shaped valves and two V-slate cylinders.
1890 – Wilhelm Maybach builds the first four-cylinder, four-stroke engine.