Karl Benz Unveils His Patent Motorwagen (1886)

Six months after applying for a patent for a three-wheeled horseless carriage driven by an internal combustion engine, Benz staged a public demonstration of the contraption in Mannheim, Germany. Widely regarded as the first automobile, the Benz Patent Motorwagen resembled a park bench on a giant tricycle and had a steering handle instead of the now-familiar wheel. It was only used for short jaunts until 1888, when Benz’s wife took it for its first long-distance road trip. What was its top speed? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary