The first idea of an automobile dates back to the 17th century, when a toy car was built as a gift for the Chinese Emperor. Although the toy was too small to carry a driver, it was the bases of what would follow. The toy was built using steam-power (not Steem power from steemit of course) by Ferdinand Verbiest.
In 1815, 2 centuries later, Professor Josef Bozek a Canadian built an oil-fired steam car. This could have been the first automobile. The “stream buggy” a project by Henry Seth Taylor, had high wheels, two-cylinder steam engine, with a floor mounted at the bottom supported by bracing. Was demonstrated in Stanstead ,Quebec in 1867.
Most historians believe that the first real automobile was built by France-men Amedee Bollee. He built a self propelled steam road vehicle in 1873. All were amazed and started claiming the design. All good ideas are always taken by the more powerful. 8 May 1879, American, George b Selden patents the design. About 7 years later, Karl Benz, part founder of Mercedes Benz also patent the design in Germany. His company would later be the first to produce cars.
Dr J.W Carhart from USA, offered $10 000, to anyone who could built an alternative to a horse or an animal, to power a carriage. This alternative should have an average 8km/h and travel 320 km in distance. The offer spread all over the country. A total of seven vehicles registered for the race, but only 1 completed. The race lasted 33 hours and 27 minutes with an average speed of 9km/h.