The first automobiles can trace back to 1769. The first gas-powered cars were introduced in 1885. Automobiles are very much a part of daily life. We need them to do basic everyday needs. The history of the automobile is divided up into 7 eras, by styles and new technology. The eras I will be writing about are the Steam era, Veteran era, Brass or Edwardian era, Pre WWII era, Post-war era, and the Modern era.

Steam Era

The first of the vehicles are thought to be the steam-powered vehicles. The first was invented by Nicholas-Joesph Cugnot. Later in this era, Oliver Evans would patent the first automobile in the USA. In 1870, another event in this era would be the invention of the first gas-powered car in Vienna, Austria by Karl Benz. It was called the First Marcus Car. In 1888, the next Marcus car would come out.

Veteran Era

By 1900, there were many automobiles begining to spring up around France and the US. In the US, Charles and Frank Duryea founded Duryea Motor Wagon Company in 1893. However, in this era, a man by the name of Ransom E. Olds dominated car production. The Oldsmobile is named after him. Close to Olds' domination, Cadillac, Winton, and Ford were producing vehicles by the thousands. By 1900, production of automobiles had started in the countries Belgium, Switzerland, Norway, Italy, and Australia. Even through the mass production of vehicles, most of the countries faced difficulties. There were many breakdowns, gas was hard to find, roads were terrible, and since innovation had taken place, many cars became useless in around a year.

Brass or Edwardian Era

The Brass or Edwardian era is usually called the Brass era, so thats what I'm going to call it. The name "Brass" era comes from the major use of brass in the US. 1905 was a significant year in the automobile history. Much of the vehicles were also being bought by the average Joe. Technology was also a at a high rate of production. One major invention in this era would be the ignition. Some examples of cars in the era are the Mercer Raceabout and the Ford Model T.

Vintage Era

This era lasted from about the end of the WWI until the year 1929, around 10 years. Not alot happened in this era, but one major thing did happen. In 1929, the stock market crashed, sending car productions into a tail-spin. By the start of the era, cars were being sold rapidly. By the end of the era (1929, when the stock market crashed), the sales of automobiles was closed. Some vehicles made in this era include Ford Model A, Bugatti 35, and the Lancia Lambda.

Pre-WWII Era

This era began in 1930 during the Great Depression and ended after WWII. One major invention of this era was the closed body era. This means that the car was not as open as the earlier cars were. This produced what is now known as a sedan type vehicle. By the start of this era, car manufacturers had decreased.

Post-War Era

Recovering from the Great Depression, automobile companies regained control in 1949. Some inventions would be the V8 engine and GM's more modern bodies from the Oldsmobile and Cadillac. In Italy, Enzo Ferrari began his production of his Ferraris. Many details were beginning to spring up through the 1950s. Speeds rose, engine powers rose, and cars could now be seen many places around the world. As the US was hovering around the norm, countries like Japan and European countries adopted better technology. meaning better improvement to their cars. In the US, cars were starting to focus on preformance; hence, in 1964, the Ford Mustang came out. Another preformance car that came out was the Camaro in 1967. BMW, Toyota, and Nissan were also springing up in this era. Some cars invented of this era include the ones I listed above and these: Morris Minor, Mini, and the Datsun.

Modern Era

In the Modern era, which is still in affect, brought around many changes. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive were just a few. One thing that durasticly changed is the type of body style. Some advances in the styles of this era are the minivan, hatchback, and the all-mighty SUV. The minivan and the SUV are very helpful in the area of space. Minivans and SUV tend to be big vehicles meaning more seats and more people. There are some draw-backs though. SUVs' have earned the name of "gas-guzzlers", meaning they waste gas easily. Some of the vehicles invented in this era include the Toyota Corolla, Range Rover, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Honda Accord, and the Ford Taurus.

Now

As you can see, the invention of the automobile proved to be a great advance in transportation. The automobile is without a doubt one of th greatest inventions in the world.

Thanks for reading and exploring the history of cars!

--John

http://johnburgdorf.webs.com/

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