Back to the Feature: The Evolution of Car Design and Functionality
Self-driving cars may sound futuristic now…but we predict that in a matter of years, they’ll seem as old hat as car radios.
That’s because while automobiles have functioned similarly throughout our lifetimes, the features included (from safety essentials to fancy-pants bells and whistles) have dramatically evolved over the past centuries. Take a peek at some of the historical eras and standout trends—plus a glimpse at what’s to come.
Horsepower may have been the reigning power for centuries, but in the late 18th century, steam-powered, self-propelled vehicles—large enough to transport people and cargo (sound familiar?)—hit the streets.
In 1770/71, French inventor Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot developed an experimental steam-driven artillery tractor (OK, that doesn’t sound quite as familiar—but it counts!), and in 1784, Scottish engineer and inventor William Murdoch built a working model of a steam carriage in Great Britain. And in 1789, the first automobile patent in the U.S. was granted to inventor, engineer, and businessman Oliver Evans.
Come 1806, the first cars powered by an internal combustion engine (and running on fuel gas) made their debut.
In the decades to follow, innovations such as hand brakes, multi-speed transmissions, and better steering emerged. However, progress wasn’t on cruise control. Backlash towards these large, fast, motor machines led to the Locomotive Act in 1865, which required that self-propelled vehicles on public roads (in the UK, at least) had to be preceded by a man on foot, who would wave a red flag and blow a horn. Talk about making an entrance…
Towards the end of the 19th century, the world saw the introduction of the modern gasoline/petro-fueled internal combustion engine in 1885. At long last, in 1886—regarded as the year of the birth of the automobile—German inventor Karl Benz unveiled the Benz Patent-Motorwagen. (The concept of German engineering ain’t a trope for nothin’!)
Bit by bit, motorized wagons replaced animal-drawn carriages—especially after the more affordable (and legendary) Ford Model T was introduced in 1908.
Considered the Edwardian (Brass) Era, these years were the heyday for high-wheel motor buggies, and the beginning of all-steel bodies. The aforementioned Ford Model T was the most widely produced and available 4-seater until 1927, and utilized the now-given pedal-based control system. In 1910, the Mercer Raceabout hit the road as one of the very first sports cars, and the Bugatti Type 13 from 1910-20 was an enviable racing/touring model with advanced engineering and design.
Here are several other greatest hits from the first half of that ever-innovating century:
1911: Electric starters—safer and more efficient solutions—replaced cumbersome cranks.
1925: Cigarette lighters are a perfect match (replacement) for in-cabin smokers—and now serve as an outlet for our modern-day electronics.
1929: Four-wheel brakes ease the essential process of stopping safely.
1930: Car radios enable drivers to tune in (and sing out).
1934: Coil spring suspension improved handling—and saved lives.
Over the next several decades, the world saw the arrival (and progressive development) of racing cars, luxury vehicles, mass-production, engine advancements, aerodynamic enhancements, fuel efficiencies, computer-assisted designs, and car types aplenty. From the Vintage Era to the Pre-WWII era, and then the Post-war era to modern times, here’s a closer look at some throwback (and not so throwback) details from the latter part of the last century.
1956: Power steering becomes a common feature, empowering drivers to make turns with the help of hydraulics.
1965: 8-track players serve up another listening option for those who like some music with their motion. (AKA everyone, ever.)
1970: Cassette decks keep the tunes comin’.
1973: The catalytic converter scrubs tailpipe emissions and helps cars clean up their act.
1982: Electronic fuel injection becomes the new standard for how vehicles mix air and fuel to optimize engines.
1984: Air bags begin to become expected safety standbys.
1985: In-dash CD players make sure the beat goes on.
1994: On-board diagnostics (the 16-pin connector that garage mechanics use as a resource for vehicle status and condition) start popping up with increased frequency.
1995: Navigation systems keep drivers on track.
2000: Hybrid cars merge the best of bold fuel worlds.
2000–2010s: Connected and “smart” cars take automobile tech to the next level.
Today—and the Fuuuuuuuture
From hologram consoles to driverless tech, artificial intelligence to the fastest-charging electric cars, current and upcoming car tech is focused on energy efficiency, convenience, safety, and enhancement of drivers’ mental states and (no pun intended) motor skills.
From small comforts to big precautions, the car features in this century are sure to have absolutely blown the minds of the earliest vehicle pioneers. So buckle up (thanks to seat belts, first developed in the mid-19th century)—it’s gonna be a crazy ride.