Images Depicting the Primitive and Fierce Nature of Early Motor Vehicles from a Century Past
In the early days of the 20th century, the automobile was a novelty that captivated the world. From the sunny shores of Florida to the bustling streets of Paris, electric and steam-powered vehicles were making their mark.
Capt Watlington House, a Florida Keys resident, was pictured with a public library and an automobile, circa 1910s, showcasing the growing popularity of these new machines. Across the Atlantic, Ivanhoe, also known as "Oxford", was a Canadian electric automobile, making its debut around the same time.
The Russians were not far behind. I.V. Romanov, a member of the Russian Imperial Family, designed the first electric cab in Gatchina, Russia, in 1900. This pioneering spirit was shared by many, as evidenced by the first electric car in Gatchina, invented by the Russian engineer Yevgeny Yakovlevich Yakovlev, in 1898.
In Europe, the race was on. Andreas Flocken, a German entrepreneur, was pictured with his daughter Anna and later with his wife in an electric car, circa 1900 and 1903 respectively. Armand Peugeot was seen on Peugeot Type 28 Phaeton in 1900, while racing driver Prevost (Prevot) was pictured in his car in Nijmegen, Netherlands, in 1898.
The Paris-Amsterdam Race, held in 1898, saw participants racing in their cars, probably in the Nijmegen region, Netherlands. The Milord 2-Seater Jeantaud, an early electric automobile from France, and the Decauville 5 Cv, Ravenez, Coupe des Voiturettes Automobile, were among the contenders.
In Germany, the first Berlin Motor Cab in operation was owned by the Thien Carriage Company, Berlin, Konigsplatz, circa 1899. The first automobile demonstration at the Sports Press Summer Festival in Berlin-Ruhleben, Germany, was held in 1900.
Across the Atlantic, the Cleveland Electric Railway Company was starting on a line inspection trip, circa 1880s, while a line of Russell Cars was seen outside Toronto City Hall, circa 1900s.
In the United States, the first automobile made by Karl Benz was in 1885, and a Stanley Steamer Automobile was seen in Toledo, Ohio, circa 1900. A car with exhaust pipes through the roof was seen in France, in 1897, demonstrating the innovative spirit of the time.
Notable figures such as Ettore Bugatti, Vincenzo Lancia, and Henry Bauchet were also part of this automotive revolution. Ettore Bugatti arrived in Vienna, Austria, driving a De Dietrich which he developed, in 1903. Vincenzo Lancia was pictured with a Fiat Racing Automobile in the 2nd place of the Targa Florio, Sicily, Italy, in 1908. Henry Bauchet was pictured at the wheel of his car, 5CV Lessieux-Bauchet Rethel, Ardennes, France, in 1900.
These pioneering vehicles and pioneering people marked the beginning of a new era in transportation. From the reliability of the car being compared to a draft horse in Gardner, Massachusetts, in 1885, to the excitement of the Paris-Amsterdam Race in 1898, the world was eager to embrace the automobile.
As we celebrate these early milestones, we are reminded of the spirit of innovation that continues to drive the automotive industry today. The journey from the 1880s to the 1900s was a fascinating one, and we can only imagine what the future holds for the world of automobiles.
