The invention of the automobile can be directly traced back to Thomas Newcomen, who created a stem engine in 1712. The design of this engine helped inventors find a way to power vehicles. By 1873 the first vehicle appeared. This car used wood wheels and was capable of only small speeds, but it paved the way for future designs. Nokolaus Otto created the Otto cycle engine and this engine was later used by both Daimler and Benz. The Daimler Motor Company began producing cars known as carriages in the United States by the end of the 20^th century.

In the US, cars produced relied on steam. These cars even raced against each other in a 200 mile race in 1878. Ransom Olds, the founder of Oldsmobile was one of the leading manufacturers of these steam powered cars. The first gas powered cars appeared in 1893, but was used for only a few years. The real basis for automobiles came as the result of Henry Ford’s work.

Ford started out by building one car at a time and using the profits from the sell of that car to build his next. He gained enough investors to open the Detroit Automobile Company, though he later closed it. In the ensuing years, he lost out to Olds, which was building and selling cars at a small pace. Ford finally began mass producing and selling cars in 1913.

Popular Classic Cars

• Classic Cars : lists classic and vintage cars from a variety of manufacturers.
• Chevrolet : details different vintage and classic cars from Chevy.
• Ford Skyliner : gives photographs and technical information on the Skyliner.
• Dodge Charger : offers photographs and a history of the Charger.
• Classic Chryslers : provides dozens of photographs on different vehicles produced by Chrysler.

Classic Car Clubs and Organizations

• Classic Car Club : international organization for collectors of classic automobiles.
• Muscle Car Club : organization for owners of muscle cars and those interested in the vehicles.
• Classic Car Club of America : club for those with a love of classic cars.
• Classic Car Club of Michigan : Michigan based organization for those who own antique cars.
• Moses Lake Classic Car Club : classic car club for those living in or around Moses Lake.

Classic Car Show

• Texas Classic Car Show : Texas based group hosting different car shows throughout the year.
• Atlantic City Classic Car Show : car show taking place every year in Atlantic City.
• Rock and Roll Car and Bike Show : a show taking place in Arizona with an emphasis on classic cars and motorcycles.
• Philomath Classic Car Show : car show with prizes that’s held every year.
• Nino’s Classic Car Show : an annual car show held every year in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The unusual thing about these early cars was that (auto glass) didn’t exist. The cars had open windows and windshields, without any real (car windows). It would also take years for manufacturers to offer real tires for these vehicles. Yet the invention of the car significantly changed the future of the world.